Stores Offering Bargains Early to Entice Holiday Shoppers

By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Christmas may still be a month and a half away, but the retail war is already underway. Experts say with a shaky economy, companies are starting early to try to earn your business.

The ads prove it; retailers want your business and doing what they can to get it early.

Mandy Horneber is Christmas shopping. She's been paying close attention to store ads hoping to find the best deals.

"Just planning to shop early, save money and kind of spread it out a few months ahead of time instead of trying to do all your shopping at once," Horneber said.

She is not alone.

"This year is probably the earliest start of the Holiday season we've ever seen," said NEWS 9's technology expert Joel Craig.

Craig says whether shopping online or in stores this Holiday season is all about the economy.

"So, if they advertise some good prices early that makes them top of mind for the consumer, which means they have a better chance of coming back and buying other things," Craig said.

At Target it's beginning to look and feel a lot like Christmas. The company isn't waiting until Black Friday to get big crowds. Already, they're offering big sales and the store just started price matching its competitors.

"So, if you come in and buy a 32 inch TV or more, everything you buy on your Target Red Card, 0 percent interest, that's the first time we've actually seen some TVs flying out the door," Target Team Leader Brian McEvoy said.

Target is among several retail giants trying to get early business from Holiday shoppers. It's a trend financial experts don't find surprising.

"There are so many schools of thought out there as to whether it's going to be a good, bad or OK season," said Financial Advisor with Householder Group, Nick Massey. "I think the theory is we'll get a jump on it if it happens to be slow, get your share early."

And for shoppers like Horneber who has two small children, it's not just about the bargains but the smiles on Christmas Day.

"We try and spread the wealth and make everybody happy," said Horneber. "It's fun though; it's a lot of fun."