• The holiday shopping season is kicking off earlier than ever with Black Friday sales starting on Thanksgiving and sales advertisements beginning as early as September.
• Online sales are skyrocketing over store sales while offering shipping deals and price matching.
• Deep discounts are allowing consumers to get the most for their money, while encouraging higher sales for both the online retailers and brick-and-mortar retailers.

From the article:

"...Even though it has caused a backlash among certain consumers, retailers have concluded that the formula for increasing seasonal sales totals is mostly based on increasing holiday promotions, deals, and store hours—hours that now include Thanksgiving night. Not only is it standard for stores to open by 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. on Turkey Day, but the holiday season now basically overlaps with the back-to-school shopping period, with promos and Christmas displays popping up in early September..."