Holiday Hype

  The first big snow of the season, Holiday music playing in every store, Christmas lights, candy canes, and holiday movies, all these things tell us as consumers it is holiday time.  Not only do we feel a little jollier and more loving towards those we care about most, but this season also means we are not only buying things for ourselves.  Is it all these components (the music, movies, candy, etc.) that are motivating our purchases, or the looming fact that the holiday is rapidly approaching and you need to get some gifts under the tree?  It has also been said that consumers and companies alike area more likely to want to give to charities.  Although this could also have to do with the fact that they are adding to that tax refund they will get back before the end of the year.  Stores in large cities promote the holiday spirit by having creative storefronts.  Macy's is a great example of a store that is known to do this.  Consumers have almost make a sport out of walking around downtown just to see the lights and decorations.  Convenient for the stores that these same consumers might just decide to pass through the store to get a little warm and possibly purchasing something they would not have originally.  The city normally contributes to this winter wonderland by adding a touch of their own.  Ice skating rinks, lights, displays, and decorated trees of their own are all examples that cities have done to add to the holiday spirit.  All the lights, love, Christmas cards, and cookies create a lot of hype for consumers.  I believe all this especially encourages consumers that its okay to spend a few extra dollars on something because its for a loved one and of course, its the holidays!  Some stores like Toys 'R Us make it even easier for children to ask for all their favorite toys by including stickers or a wish list for the kids to show their parents all the toys they want.  In the end, what motivates all consumers during the holidays is the smile and happiness their loved ones have when they open the present they were hoping for all along.

(An example of a decorated store front: http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2009/11/27/lorain-will-light-up-in-grand-fashion-saturday-night/)