WE went to Lowes yesterday to see if we could pick up some outdoor chair cushions on late season clearance. Not only did they not have them out but the area where they had been is now taken over by Christmas stuff. Earlier and earlier every year. I was surprised that they beat BJ's-although I have not been there in a week or so.

Seriously, did you really think they would pass up the opportunity to get the required 3 month jump on the upcoming season???

That's similar to my going to #^&#^&#^&#^&'s in February to check out their winter sports gear (ice fishing stuff) only to find it replaced with soccer and baseball gear...IN FEBRUARY!!!

Too many retailers are falling into the general practice where they think that consumers are sheep and will buy what THEY want when THEY sell it, instead of supplying what WE want and need when we want or need it!

What I find ironic is that because these stores are taking prime space and dedicating to "possible future sales" they are essentially wasting space. That would be the ONLY possible explanation why the prices of many season items are so damn expensive.

Oh, and of course, as you stated earlier, because they have to dedicate this floor space for future sales prospects, they don't have room for the older stuff and won't have any "sales" items.

That's why I pick which stores I shop at carefully. If they can't supply what I want/need, they don't get my $$.