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Ho-Ho-Hold on a Minute, Xmas in July?

Stores launch summer promotions to snag holiday dollars early

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 31, 2009 4:38 AM CDT

(Newser) – It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in malls across the country as stores angle for some extremely early holiday dollars, the Wall Street Journal reports. Retailers like Toys'R'US, Sears and Kmart have dragged Santa away from his summer break and launched July Christmas promotions, hoping to boost sales with a touch of festive spirit and help recession-hit consumers spread out their holiday spending.

Some shoppers say they love the summer Christmas sales and are glad of the chance to beat the crowds and get bargains on things like holiday decorations. Others complain that it smacks of desperation and want the festive spirit banished for at least another couple of months. "It's ridiculous," said one Dallas shopper on seeing a Christmas display in Sears. "Let's get past Halloween first."

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Christmas displays are already up in some major retailers despite there being a full 147 shopping days to go. (Shutter Stock)

Santa Clauses gather at the annual summertime World Santa Claus Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark. (AP Photo/Carsten Snejbjerg, Polfoto)

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The president was passing laws, gave a call to Santa Claus. He said, 'Get that toy machine on high.
Economy is in a slump.
I know what could pick it up.
This year let's have Christmas in July.' - Lyrics to Christmas in July

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Ho-Ho-Hold on a Minute, Xmas in July?