Do you know any shop keepers/owners?   Do you know how short their window of opportunity may be?    If people aren't buying, the retailers wouldn't be displaying.  Shop when it suits you and allow others to shop when they need to as well.  What a first world problem! 

Is the Pope Catholic?  

much too early....I saw Christmas things before Halloween was over!!!!

William Feela Yes, one of our local stores had Christmas trees out at Halloween. This is getting a little carried away.

I hate seeing all the emphasis on decorations and Christmas at any time before December.

As a former retailer, I think it is a mistake to start the Christmas season before Halloween.  It seems to lose the importance.  My opinion is that a creative retailer can co many other things to boost sales throughout the year. Then place some real emphasis on the holiday events near the dates they occur.  

I guess the next trend will be when retailers realize that buyers have done their shopping in October.  This will make them hold the New Year Day sales earlier -- like Thanksgiving. LOL

Now is their time, I respect Nordstrom's because they don't start the craziness until the day after Thanksgiving.  This is their time, and some retailers make the majority of their money at Christmas.  A

Too early for whom is the question-not for them obviously!

I do consider Labor Day a bit early. Playing Christmas music in mid-November is also a bit early!

William Feela oh yes, they are rushing! Black Friday started on Monday - 4 days early. And CyberMonday on Sunday, a day early.

However, Christmas is still on 25th December!

They started here in August.  That's too early!

I think they are. I saw Christmas trees up at one popular department store in August. 

It starts in September in some stores, and some buyers start shopping then too.

They always do, why would this year be any different?

Personally, I just refuse to participate in the commercialization of Christmas.

Some did, some didn't.  For me, the Christmas season begins with the approach of Thanksgiving.  As long as it's post-Halloween, I'm ok with it.  The holiday season is synonymous with winter for me....if it's going to be dark and cold, I'm happy to have holiday lights to warm things up!

There are so many things to do! I think, preparing for Christmas now is the best timing:) 

William,
I know from my days in banking that many stores make half or more of their yearly profit over the Christmas period. Every day is precious to them. 

I think they started on January 1'st this year.  A bit too early for me.

I think so.  Christmas should not start before Halloween like it does now.  Let each holiday have it's time to shine without interference.

I saw Xmas items in mid October.

All celebrations are started off too early.  On Dec 26 you will see the Valentines stuff on sale.

I like the answer provided by Susan Emo. 

Yes, it's ridiculous. That is why I truly hate this season - it's all about marketing & shopping.

The chase to show an increased sales has been on to quickly this year.

They always do!

William - Retailers will continue to start Christmas selling earlier and earlier to attract the consumer. After all, the first retailer to discount something for Christmas will sell them before the other retailer who doesn't even have the product yet. It's competition, and the early bird gets the worm.

Of course! Christmas is close to year round when it comes to shopping!

It actually seems to be calmer this year than last.

It is just a little over 3 weeks until Christmas. I don't think it is too early for them to put the press on.

They've been discounting all year. Now it's sell time.

When should the Christmas rush start?

In my Canadian city, a major American retailer sells winter snowsuits for kids in June / July but not anywhere near winter.  Yes, I have seen them on the hottest days in July and they do sell out because people expect to buy them at that time at this retailer.

It seems more normal to me this year (vs. the last few yrs).

Started in November...... I think Amazon, Fed Ex will  be busier than previous years.... Order on line. Stores ain't that crowded this year.

Sam Shueh

This is going to be tough season. The economy isn't working for all just some

As a former retailer, I also know Christmas 2016 plans are well underway.

Retailers do not determine when we buy, we as the consumer make the decision when and where to spend our money.  We, the consumer just need to decide: Does it take decorations to get us to shop or Does it simple take a retailer having what we need or want?  

Early, it started before Halloween. If they are starting now they are late,