Bunnings responds to their 'money grab' controversy
By
VanessaC
- Replies 19
It won’t be long before the holiday season is upon us when shops’ decorations will be on full display and music will be playing wherever you go.
Bunnings have already put up their decorations, with huge nutcrackers standing one and a half metres tall, priced at $299 each, appearing in their Townsville store. Shelves have also been filled with festive-themed lights and ornaments.
However, the sight of festive decorations for sale in September has spurred a few comments online.
Many have responded passionately against it, sharing that it was 'terrifying' and accusing big retailers of introducing such products earlier and earlier every year.
‘I think it’s a bit early, but that’s just a sign of the times,’ one shopper said. ‘I see this as a money grab.’
However, there were also some shoppers who were delighted with the early release.
‘I'm definitely going for a look,’ one local shopper said.
Bunnings claimed they are simply responding to customer demands as decorating the home for Christmas is becoming increasingly popular, and knowing some homes with elaborate light displays tend to prepare for months in advance.
'Decorating the home for Christmas is becoming more popular every year, and many customers are keen to get organised for Christmas early,' a spokesperson from Bunnings said.
'Our festive range begins arriving in stores from September, and more products will drop in store over the coming weeks.'
But for people who think the early rollouts are just another sign of 'consumerism', Professor Gary Mortimer, Marketing and Consumer Expert, explained the operational reason why stores stock them so early.
'Warehouses are full of Christmas-inspired products, and we want them out of warehouses and into air-conditioned supermarkets and department stores,' Professor Mortimer said.
'When demand for these products starts, it comes on quickly, and retailers want to be ready,' he added.
True enough, it’s not just Bunnings—Coles and BIG W have also started rolling out their Christmas decorations and food, quickly following suit.
The supermarkets said that the early release is primarily to help customers plan and budget for Christmas in advance rather than being hit with a huge shopping bill in December.
'People really like to often try things before Christmas Day, and a lot of our customers also like to budget and spread the cost of Christmas before Christmas arrives,' said Coles' spokesperson Martine Alpins.
Moreover, Glenn Baker, Everyday Rewards General Manager, said that many customers like to cash in their accumulating rewards points when the holiday season arrives.
'Last year, the average member got $100 off their shop at Christmas,' he said.
'We are expecting to have that much more money per member and more members this coming Christmas.'
You can read more about this story here!
So, dear members, do you think it’s still too early? Or is it the perfect time to start planning your Christmas decor (and budget!)? Let us know in the comments below!
Bunnings have already put up their decorations, with huge nutcrackers standing one and a half metres tall, priced at $299 each, appearing in their Townsville store. Shelves have also been filled with festive-themed lights and ornaments.
However, the sight of festive decorations for sale in September has spurred a few comments online.
Many have responded passionately against it, sharing that it was 'terrifying' and accusing big retailers of introducing such products earlier and earlier every year.
‘I think it’s a bit early, but that’s just a sign of the times,’ one shopper said. ‘I see this as a money grab.’
However, there were also some shoppers who were delighted with the early release.
‘I'm definitely going for a look,’ one local shopper said.
Bunnings claimed they are simply responding to customer demands as decorating the home for Christmas is becoming increasingly popular, and knowing some homes with elaborate light displays tend to prepare for months in advance.
'Decorating the home for Christmas is becoming more popular every year, and many customers are keen to get organised for Christmas early,' a spokesperson from Bunnings said.
'Our festive range begins arriving in stores from September, and more products will drop in store over the coming weeks.'
But for people who think the early rollouts are just another sign of 'consumerism', Professor Gary Mortimer, Marketing and Consumer Expert, explained the operational reason why stores stock them so early.
'Warehouses are full of Christmas-inspired products, and we want them out of warehouses and into air-conditioned supermarkets and department stores,' Professor Mortimer said.
'When demand for these products starts, it comes on quickly, and retailers want to be ready,' he added.
True enough, it’s not just Bunnings—Coles and BIG W have also started rolling out their Christmas decorations and food, quickly following suit.
The supermarkets said that the early release is primarily to help customers plan and budget for Christmas in advance rather than being hit with a huge shopping bill in December.
'People really like to often try things before Christmas Day, and a lot of our customers also like to budget and spread the cost of Christmas before Christmas arrives,' said Coles' spokesperson Martine Alpins.
Moreover, Glenn Baker, Everyday Rewards General Manager, said that many customers like to cash in their accumulating rewards points when the holiday season arrives.
'Last year, the average member got $100 off their shop at Christmas,' he said.
'We are expecting to have that much more money per member and more members this coming Christmas.'
You can read more about this story here!
Key Takeaways
- Bunnings began selling Christmas decorations in early September, instigating a mixed reaction.
- A range of large outdoor nutcracker soldiers and other festive lights and ornaments have been spotted in a Townsville store.
- Some customers have criticised the early roll-out, seeing it as a 'money grab', while others are delighted.
- Bunnings says it is responding to customer demand and noted that many households with extravagant light displays begin preparations months in advance.