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 Drew Dilkens posted a photo of a Christmas tree, decked out with bright blue, 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. — at Costco Windsor."

Costco did not immediately return a request by CBC News for comment on why exactly they had a Christmas tree on display a full 20 weeks before Christmas Day.  

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

People weigh in on Facebook & IRL (In Real Life)

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

In real life outside the Costco store, Windsorites were 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," said Anisha Santos.

Suzanne Freeman was bit sterner:

"Not a good idea."

While Rhea Blaine channeled her inner Grinch:

"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 Philippe Garneau, president of Toronto-based marketing company GWP Brand 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 get a 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.