There's been a lot of speculation as to how consumers will react to higher gas prices, ... I think consumers really took us by surprise.

There's no question that gas prices will play a factor, but I don't think that the fallout will be as concerning as many analysts have feared, ... The holidays are something that consumers . . . plan ahead for. They tend not to be swayed by short-term economic circumstances.

Many malls will spend weeks, if not months, to start setting up. Many retailers are just trying to get a head start on the holidays so that when they arrive, they'll have everything decorated and in place.

If you really want it, you better buy it when you see it. Last year, most consumers procrastinated. This year, retailers will try to get people in early with great deals and deep discounts.

The traditional retail lines are blurring.

Many retailers find that moving their business online brings them an entirely different set of customers than they would have found in their local market,