Ho Ho Hold On Retailers!

When is too early for companies to start promoting the holiday season? Many feel the long run-up to Christmas makes it less special but some enjoy having the feeling around for as long as possible. The results of our survey may be surprising.

The displays are up, the lights are on, the music is playing, and the sales have begun. Whether you like it or not, retailers have begun to fill our mind with 1000's of ways to spend money this holiday season. But when is it too early?

In a recent survey, 1500 North Americans were asked what is an appropriate date for companies to start promoting for the holiday season.

The responses varied, but 31% of those surveyed, felt that the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season should wait until after Remembrance Day / Veterans Day (November 11th). The American Thanksgiving (late November) came in as a close second, with 29% of the votes. It seems the common sentiment is that retailers should rethink their strategy of immediately switching pumpkins for Christmas trees, and wait a little longer before dreaming of a green Christmas.

Sensors Quality Management Inc. (SQM) is a Toronto based supplier of Quality / Service Assurance and Market Research, services. Although the main focus of the business is Mystery Shopping Programs, SQM offers its world-wide clientele a variety of other services, including: field merchandising, online comment cards, internal audit software, and integrated customer feedback programs.

For additional information, please contact:

Mr. David Lipton
Sensors Quality Management Inc.
895 Don Mills Road
Suite 400, Tower 2
Toronto, ON M3C 1W3
Phone: 416-444-4491
Fax: 416-444-2422
Website: www.sqm.ca
E-mail: davidL@sqm.ca