It might seem that Christmas gets earlier every year in Hong Kong's shops - but this year most of the tinsel and lights are actually going up later than usual.
Most shopping malls have been so busy with other promotions and sales to beat the economic downturn this year that they cannot begin their Christmas drives until next month.
In Christmases past, decorations and piped carols have begun from late November onwards. This year the launch date for most malls is tomorrow, Advent Sunday.
Promotions officer for Swire Properties Management Teresa Cheng said shoppers who thought Christmas had already arrived because of a few trees and lights were mistaken.
'What they see now is the preparation work because it takes time to set things up,' Ms Cheng said. 'The real Christmas stuff - the shopper redemption plan, choir performances and picture-taking with Santa - won't begin until Sunday.'
Chairman of the Hong Kong Retail Management Association Yu Pang-chun thinks that holiday plans have been delayed because of other sales and events.
He said that as retailers become more creative in their marketing, traditional sales periods will have to be adjusted.
