by KYW's David Madden
Hard to believe but the holiday shopping season is already well underway. Want proof? Head to a South Jersey mall where Santa is holding court in a spot where just last week kids were wearing Halloween costumes.
It’s been a debate in recent years. Are we rushing in the holiday season? And if so, why?
Brenda Slaney of Sicklerville with her two children in line to visit Santa at the Deptford Mall looks at the calendar and scratches her head.:
“Usually they start Santa up after Thanksgiving. But I’m surprised that it’s this soon.”
Turns out, it’s meant to accommodate parents. At least, that’s the spin mall marketing manager Felicia Pollaro puts on it all.:
“Families are really time crunched. This is a very busy time of year for them. So, we thought we’d have him come just a little bit earlier than usual so they could have more time and plan their schedules to see Santa.”
This year’s Santa arrival is two days sooner than last and we all know how bad sales were last Christmas, right? Well, Pollaro expects sales here to pick up about 1%. Merchants are hoping for a lot more than that.
(photo by KYW's David Madden)
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