Christmas arrives early, and so do the sales

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Halloween just ended but retailers are gearing up for Christmas.

Christmas decorations are going up at area shopping malls and Christmas sales are underway.

The National Retail Federation reports 2/3 of Americans say the economic recession will impact how much they spend on the holidays this year.

So to try and lure in customers, many stores are getting started early.

At Crossgates Mall on Sunday, signs for sales were up at a handful of stores. Toys "R" Us has got it's Holiday Express and Macy's is wrapped in decorations like a christmas present.

But whether you're better off shopping now or later is up for debate.

Some retailers say prices will remain consistent with discounts spread out throughout the holiday season.

Others say that shoppers need to realize that as the season moves along more merchandise will be coming in.