It might seem like Christmas merchandise is put on display earlier and earlier each year, but the reality is stores have been doing so for decades. The holiday period is, after all, the one time of year when many retailers can actually turn a profit. Some consumers have tried to encourage a reverse trend and ask stores to wait until after Remembrance Day on Nov. 11 to display holiday wares, but they’ve found little success. A look back at the Calgary Herald archives shows Christmas displays were front and centre before Halloween even a century ago. The topic was discussed in a feature called the H Files, in which long-time Herald researcher/librarian Norma Marr looked back at a myriad of Calgary news events. Here are some of her instalments from October 1999. Read More
