Editorial: Deck the shoppers?

Monday, Nov. 20, 2006 | 7:33 a.m.

As if seeing Christmas decorations on store shelves next to bags of Halloween candy wasn't bad enough, shoppers trying to get their hands on the season's hottest toys last week were robbed, shot and created riots that forced store closures.

It is hard to fathom that a Wal-Mart would close its doors for any reason during a holiday shopping frenzy. But authorities in Palmdale, Calif., shut down a Super Wal-Mart because of rowdy shoppers awaiting Friday's release of Sony's PlayStation 3.

Across the nation, people hunkered down in freezing rain. They waited in lines for three days without showers. A 19-year-old Wisconsin man slammed his head into a pole while racing 50 others for prime waiting spots outside a discount store. And in Connecticut, thieves attempting to rob shoppers waiting to purchase the PlayStation 3 consoles - which sell for $500 and $600 - shot a man who refused to hand over his cash.

Sony's latest release wasn't the only toy creating a stir. Other shoppers lamented a shortage of T.M.X. Elmo dolls, which roll over and stand up.

While some shoppers said that they bought the toys for themselves or as gifts, many others admitted to making the purchases out of good old-fashioned greed.

Before Friday was half over, people were hawking PlayStation 3 consoles on eBay for $1,000 or more - much more. At least two of the postings for the toy listed "buy it now" prices of $8,000. Minimum bids for the Elmo doll, which retails for $39, ranged from $60 to $125.

Standing in line for the season's hottest toys isn't new. Shopping veterans may recall similar frenzies for Cabbage Patch dolls and Beanie Babies. Doting parents would brave the worst weather and crowds in order to please their special child on Christmas morning.

Since then, we've added Internet bidding to the mix. Now, standing in line for that special toy may have nothing at all to do with pleasing a child. It's about making a ton of money. We expect corporations to do this at holiday time. But, somehow, it feels wrong when private citizens do this unto others - injuring each other in the process.

Those who spoke of selling their coveted PlayStation consoles or Elmo dolls for 10 times what they paid didn't say how they planned to spend their windfalls. Perhaps they will use the money to purchase Nintendo Co.'s new Wii. It goes on sale today. Line up early, and don't forget the safety gear.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.