Hope for the holidays

'Tis the season for picking Halloween costumes and pumpkins. Yet, some retailers are already preparing for what is traditionally the biggest sales holiday of the year.

While standing in the checkout line at Costco, Christmas carols chime from the displays near the front of the store. Many department stores are also decked in green and red in time for the arrival of fall - not winter.

Is it earlier than usual that we're being blasted with Christmas ornaments and twinkling lights?

No, according to Costco. "We've always operated under the bill - early in early out," said Doug Schutt COO for Costco's northern division.

Costco often sells to the wholesaler and other retailers, making it necessary for them to be ahead of the game. Christmas merchandise typically hits the store around Labor Day, after the back-to-school sales are complete.

Toys have also hit the shelves at Costco, with the full selection still on the way.

Costco doesn't cater to the procrastinator. Ideally, all the trees and decorations will have been sold and cleaned up by mid-December, Schutt said. He added that wrapping paper and bows are available a bit longer.

It has to be this way to keep costs down, Schutt said. The successful wholesale club can't afford to be left with excess inventory at the end of the season.

"We don't have the margins for clearance sales. We don't have the luxury here for that," he added.

Meanwhile, the regional shopping centers are waiting to put up the tinsel and little lights. Woodfield will begin with its holiday decor on Oct. 24. The nearly two-week long process will be done in time for Santa's arrival on Friday, Nov. 7.

Gurnee Mills is planning to start decorating on Nov. 1. The mall is planning on going all out during what's expected to be a dismal holiday season.

"We're going to put up so much. We want to give people some hope and happiness," said Michelle Rice, marketing manager at Gurnee Mills.

What's new: Zara, a hot retailer in Europe, is opening its first area location at Westfield Old Orchard in Skokie.

Catering to men and women, Zara offers 22,700 square feet of shopping. The company is renowned in international circles for on-spot trends at eye-catching prices.

Also opening this fall are Guess and Talbots Woman, located inside Talbots.

Construction continues at Old Orchard on the new L.L. Bean and Crate & Barrel, both slated to open in time for the holidays.