Windsor Costco already selling Christmas trees

Seasonal creep seems to have reached new highs, or lows depending on your opinion, with Windsor's mayor starting a debate about how early is too early to start selling Christmas decorations.

Mayor DrewDilkensposted a photo of a Christmastree, decked outwith brightblue, green, red and yellow lights, on Aug. 6 with the comment:

"It seems a little early to me....but I suppose December is just around the corner. atCostco Windsor."

Costcodid not immediately return a request by CBC News for comment on why exactly they hada Christmas tree on display a full 20 weeks beforeChristmas Day.

This is not the first time Costco has taken seasonal creep to new heights. Last year, CBC News reportedCostco started selling wrapping paper, decorations and other holiday goods in Canada in July.

People weigh in onFacebook & IRL (In Real Life)

The comments below the mayor's post came fast and furious after he posted the pictureranging from: "No. No no no!!!!!" to "No, your worship MayorDrewDilkens...it is WAY too early ..... do something .... use your power ... make them wait until at least October, please???"

Inreal lifeoutside theCostcostore,Windsoriteswere a bit calmer about the Costco Christmas tree.

"I don't really have a reaction. It's become the norm,so it doesn't really bother me," saidAnishaSantos.

Suzanne Freeman was bit sterner:

"Not a good idea."

WhileRheaBlainechanneled her innerGrinch:

"I think it's a little bit ridiculous... I mean it's not even back to school yet."

All three women said they do not start putting up their holiday decorations until late November or early December.

'Tis the season to shop waaay ahead?

"It's almost a national sport to anticipate how much sooner every year calendar events are going to be commercialized," said PhilippeGarneau, president of Toronto-based marketing companyGWPBrand Engineering,in an interview with CBC News.

While it might be a national sport to post on Facebook and Twitter about seasonal creep the branding expert doubts it hurts companies bottom line. Canadians spent an average of$888 on holiday spending last year, according to a survey by Field Agent Canada. And companies clearly have no shame about trying to geta piece of that spending pie.

In a world where anyone can buy anything anytime on the Internet, bricks-and-mortar stores are going to employ any strategy they can, such as putting out Christmas trees in August, points out Garneau.