Video: Seattle turns on lights to attract shoppers

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SEATTLE - It’s six weeks until Christmas, and while the decorations are starting to go up around town, shoppers are feeling less than festive.

“Can't afford it. Can't afford to take the risk. I've just recently let my family know that nobody's getting gifts,” said Jamie Byrnes of Seattle.

So business leaders are asking property owners to help spark the holiday shopping spirit by lighting up more parts of downtown.

At least 10 major buildings have signed on, including the massive U.S. Bank Center. All are planning to light their properties in holiday colors.  Others are expected to join in.

And the feel-good tactic is spreading. In downtown Bellevue, developers plan to spend more than $1 million on their annual snowflake lane display, adding dozens of new costumed characters and snow making machines.

Business people hope it will be music to the ears of gloomy shoppers, inspiring them to spend more.

 “It's very important. When people are happy they'll enjoy it more. They'll be out enjoying it more, buying gifts, remembering people on their lists,” said business manager Bente Jensen.

But analysts are skeptical of the plan. They say the pretty decorations may draw people downtown but it will likely end up economic window dressing.

 “Not an environment where people want to do a lot of shopping, feel good about shopping, feel good about credit to the same extent that they have,” said retail analyst Jeff Atkin.

The lights are expected to come on shortly after Thanksgiving.