People are already stocking up for the festive season, which is once again creeping up somewhat prematurely. With only 83 shopping days to go - and counting - we are already being bombarded with images and advertisements for Christmas.
On RTÉ television, the Christmas toy advertising campaign began in early September, but will not peak until "late October or early November," according to an RTÉ spokesman.
Although most of the toy advertising tends to wind down a few weeks before Christmas, other advertising will continue to target last-minute shoppers until the 25th.
Clery's department store on Dublin's O'Connell Street opened their first ever in-store Christmas shop two weeks ago.
According to marketing assistant Ms Emily Delahunty, sales figures have been "phenomenal", which is a "clear indicator that people are out buying Christmas goods". "Retailers are aware that there is a Christmas market there already," she said.
"I suppose it is true to say that Christmas is getting earlier, but people's lives are busier and they are browsing around to get things done sooner".
Brown Thomas's Christmas department has been open for almost three weeks and it too has experienced unprecedented sales. "Reaction has been very strong to the Christmas department this year," said store manager, Mr Alan Reidy.
Debenhams on Jervis Street, Dublin, opened its Christmas decoration department at the beginning of September, even earlier than last year.
"It's amazing how many people are buying," said Ms Ena O'Rourke, a shopper in Debenhams.
"People are just starting Christmas much earlier and putting far more into it," she added. "It is ideal to buy now and avoid the rush".