The Lost Thanksgiving

Yes -  I've already spotted some Christmas stuff in retailers.  Sams Club alreaady had some basic stuff out - maybe last years inventory - but regardless some stuff.  The old rule of thumb was this was never seen until close to Thanksgiving - trying to capitalize on the Holiday shopping for the day after Thanksgiving.

Now retailers are attempting to beat the other with getting their merchandise out sooner.  Susan will put all of her Christmas out on October 18.  That has moved up from the old days of doing the weekend after Halloween. 

Does the consumer really care?  Does getting it out early really make a difference in retail sales? 

From the retailers perspective it does.  Inventory is all about turns.  Most  Christmas merchandise  is shipped and received in October so why have it stored where it can't sell.  Better to have it on the floor ready for those early bird Christmas shoppers (I had those people who are so proactive) and with the ability to generate cash flow in October and November. 

But for me - I miss the excitement that builds when Christmas isn't put out until Thanksgiving.  The reality is that we can just forget Thanksgiving and now we move from Halloween directly to Christmas.

I wonder if there were presents, candy or costumes for Thanksgiving if we could revive that Holiday?