The calendar indicates we're still in September, but according to retailers, it's the holiday season.

wreaths
Wreaths on sale at AC Moore, 9/21/12 (Townsquare Media)
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Consumers have already received holiday campaigns through e-mail from some top online retailers. In supermarkets and big box stores, shelves are lined with decorations and holiday greeting cards. Retailers seem to be jumping on the end of summer as their invitation to shout, "Tis the season!"

"I'd rather get through Halloween and Thanksgiving first," said Lucille from Monroe. "(Retailers) don't even give people a chance to get into the Christmas spirit."

Other New Jersey shoppers share her frustration.

"At least wait until one holiday is over before you start the next one." - Dorothy, Lakewood

"The acorns are just starting to fall. I'm more of a last-minute shopper." - Vince, Howell

"It's sickening. Every single year, it's coming sooner and sooner." - Susan, Jackson

Christmas shopping, baby toys
Some New Jersey residents have already started their holiday shopping. (Townsquare Media)
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When a retailer begins its holiday push, the goal is to get your business before the competition does. The earlier you begin shopping, the more money you are likely to spend. When the holidays are actually upon us, folks aren't as carefree with their purchases. The start of holiday emails and merchandising will keep getting earlier and earlier, as long as retailers record a significant response from shoppers.

"I think it's great," said Natalie from Manalapan, representing the shoppers who enjoy the early start to winter shopping. "I'm ready to enjoy my holidays, so I want to do it all now."

"I'm going to lose my money anyway," added Elliot from Howell. "Why not start a little early?

On its web site, the National Retail Federation said about 40% of consumers begin their holiday shopping before Halloween.

 

 

Christmas trees on sale at Walmart
Christmas trees on sale at Walmart (Dan Alexander, Townsquare Media, NJ)
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