The holidays might seem like a faraway dream for Ball State University students who have been back to school for a little more than a month. However, students already have the opportunity to get started on turning their dorm room, apartment or house in a winter wonderland. Even though the holiday season does not begin until Nov. 28 (the day after Thanksgiving), many department stores are getting a head start.
Every year it seems like stores are selling Christmas trees, ornaments, mistletoe, lights and outside decorations before most people are settled back into school. Many stores start putting out their holiday decoration selection in October and sometimes as early as September.
Muncie northside Wal-Mart assistant manager Harold Miller said many people like to check out the holiday section around this time to figure out what they need and buy things slowly over time. Miller said Wal-Mart should be stocked with winter holiday items by the end of this week.
"Sometimes people are allocating their financial assets [around this time], and they may want to see the assortment," Miller said. "Some people also like to buy things little by little."
One of Wal-Mart's biggest rivals, Target, is getting into the holiday spirit as well, but the store is starting small.
Target team leader Renee Stevens said the store is only setting out decorative lights and Christmas cards. Stevens said Target will not put out a full holiday display until the day after Halloween. She said putting out the lights and the cards before Halloween is a "just in case" procedure.
"Some individuals may want to get started early for whatever reason," she said. "If [a store] has the room, it would be a good chance for people to capture the sale early."
Miller said Wal-Mart also likes to cater to those who may do their shopping early.
"September is a time of transition for most people because it is back to school time," he said. "Also a lot of people like to buy the outdoor items before it gets cold."
Miller and Stevens said Wal-Mart and Target do not offer "early bird" sales before the holidays.
"The only time there is a discount on [holiday] items is starting the day after Christmas," Miller said.
So, what kind of items are people actually buying?
Miller said the most popular items during this time at Wal-Mart are usually Nativity scenes and other "village-type items." He said the outdoor decorations like lights are also popular in September and October.
Stevens said the popularity of holiday items at Target usually varies.
"But it's usually the things likes trees and ornaments," she said.
Ball State graduate student Ashley Simpson said selling holiday items early is a great way to put people in a good mood during dark times.
"With our economy kind of in a slump right now, it can get people excited for Christmas," she said.
Simpson said she appreciates the chance to spread out holiday decoration shopping.
"If you spread it out more, it's not like you're doing it all in December," she said. "You get a chance to do it ahead of time."
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