British retailers push to extend holiday

LONDON, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Retailers in Britain are trying to extend the holiday shopping season by starting it early this year, an industry analyst said.

"There's evidence that retailers are putting out Christmas promotions early this year because they're mindful of the fact customers may be keener to spread the cost of Christmas. But there's no question it's going to be a very tough Christmas for retailers," Richard Dodd, a spokesman for the British Retail Consortium told The Times of London.

A retail analyst for Pali International, Nick Bubb, said, "last year was saved by a last-minute rush. This year the danger is that Christmas will be canceled."

Mike Petevinos, head of consulting for Cap Gemini, said consumers who want to research purchases and look for bargains will probably head toward online shopping, the Times said Thursday.

"There's a dynamic happening, as the credit crisis affects consumer confidence, where shoppers are looking to do more research and taking more care over purchasing decisions. Online is the perfect vehicle. It's becoming the only place for growth within retail," he said.