Every year, Christmas seems to arrive earlier in both our homes and in stores. This year is no exception, with many retailers across the country unveiling their ornaments and lights back at the start of October.

There are few brands for which 2009 will be hailed as a classic year and many are now looking at Christmas as a final opportunity to salvage something from the economic wreck of the past 12 months. But it is clear that the majority of retailers and marketers will inevitably feel the effects of the economic crisis this Christmas.

However will they have to cut prices again before the traditional Boxing Day sales begin?