After some research it appears that the sign is Australian (country in which I live and found the sign). Felix the Cat first appeared in 1919, and as this is clearly an early version of Felix, it is most likely that the sign is early 1920's. Because trains are depicted on the bottom of the sign it is likely it was displayed in train stations. As to WHY shoppers were encouraged to shop early for Christmas I do not know. I have found two that sold at auction, one in Australia in 2004 for $1,350 and one in the USA in 2005 for $1,200. The image of Felix and the Golliwog on the sign has become a popular pop culture image and is available on everything from T-shirts to mouse pads. As to who created it and why is a mystery.