Why are major retailers displaying Christmas decor so early? Staff reveal reason
- Replies 9
Is anyone else feeling a bit of festive whiplash? It's barely the start of September, and stores like Coles, Costco, and BIG W are already transforming aisles into winter wonderlands with decorations, gift ideas, fruit mince pies, and puddings.
Most people reading this might assume that retailers are simply trying to get into the festive spirit way too early, but there's more to this story.
Some disgruntled retail workers have taken to the internet to explain why their stores put out Christmas decorations so soon.
On the popular forum website Reddit, a staff member who claims to be a 'retail slave' revealed the truth, saying: 'It gets put out this early because people buy it this early.'
'We already have people asking where the stock is, and stores have a “flex” space like this that is only there for holiday-related items.'
As it turns out, people are apparently willing to shop for the festive season ahead of time, and for retailers, this means extra opportunities to snag bigger sales profits.
In addition, this scheme has been used to serve an even craftier purpose.
By displaying all that holiday finery and merchandise well before Christmas actually arrives, it convinces people to get in first, saving them from being 'slapped with expenses one after another' during the more intensely costly holiday season.
At the end of the day, these decorations hitting the shelves so early are not just a cultural store tradition; they're also a tactical marketing move. For retailers, it's all about earning those extra dollars before the holiday season takes off, no matter how bizarre it feels for shoppers.
So if you spot those discounted tinsel garlands and baubles when you're out and about and can't help but be tempted, don't feel bad. After all, there's nothing wrong with purchasing items before they get marked up for the holidays!
But it's important to be mindful of how this affects staff members who must put all this stuff out so early.
As one shopper suggested, if you're not a fan of the decorations cluttering store shelves, handle the issue appropriately by addressing it directly with the store's head office.
'Don't abuse the staff,' they said.
More to the point that there is already some demand for Christmas decor, some people have also set up their holiday decor earlier than everyone else.
For example, we wrote about a woman in 2022 who chose to deck her humble abode with ornaments and baubles two months ahead of Christmas.
She shared a picture of her beautiful Christmas tree on a Facebook post, aptly blaming Kmart as the reason why she decorated in advance.
Despite the overwhelming sentiment that any month other than December is too early, a few of you highlighted that sprucing things up for Christmas is ultimately up to one's preferences.
'I think these days, it is a personal choice!' said member @JulieByfield—something echoed by members @Ezzy and @PattiB.
'I haven't put a tree up for some years now; the kids are all grown up and do their own thing, but I can remember always putting the tree up in October (sometimes) and taking it down on New Year's Day, or thereabouts.'
Member @OldBells also offered their take, and for them, the act provides some reprieve.
'The shops start putting things out as early as August…,' they said.
'I think, considering the last couple of years and the current high costs, we all need a bit of cheering up and decorating the house for Christmas should be sooner rather than later. It lifts the spirit.'
So, members, what are your thoughts on early Christmas items making their way into retail stores? Do you mind them, or do you prefer shopping this early for the holidays? Let us know what you think in the comments below—we'd love to hear from you!
Most people reading this might assume that retailers are simply trying to get into the festive spirit way too early, but there's more to this story.
Some disgruntled retail workers have taken to the internet to explain why their stores put out Christmas decorations so soon.
On the popular forum website Reddit, a staff member who claims to be a 'retail slave' revealed the truth, saying: 'It gets put out this early because people buy it this early.'
'We already have people asking where the stock is, and stores have a “flex” space like this that is only there for holiday-related items.'
BIG W has become the latest retailer to unveil their Christmas displays, months out from the big day. Credit: Reddit.
As it turns out, people are apparently willing to shop for the festive season ahead of time, and for retailers, this means extra opportunities to snag bigger sales profits.
In addition, this scheme has been used to serve an even craftier purpose.
By displaying all that holiday finery and merchandise well before Christmas actually arrives, it convinces people to get in first, saving them from being 'slapped with expenses one after another' during the more intensely costly holiday season.
At the end of the day, these decorations hitting the shelves so early are not just a cultural store tradition; they're also a tactical marketing move. For retailers, it's all about earning those extra dollars before the holiday season takes off, no matter how bizarre it feels for shoppers.
So if you spot those discounted tinsel garlands and baubles when you're out and about and can't help but be tempted, don't feel bad. After all, there's nothing wrong with purchasing items before they get marked up for the holidays!
But it's important to be mindful of how this affects staff members who must put all this stuff out so early.
As one shopper suggested, if you're not a fan of the decorations cluttering store shelves, handle the issue appropriately by addressing it directly with the store's head office.
'Don't abuse the staff,' they said.
Many people have confessed that they enjoy getting an early start on decorating their Christmas tree. Credit: Facebook.
More to the point that there is already some demand for Christmas decor, some people have also set up their holiday decor earlier than everyone else.
For example, we wrote about a woman in 2022 who chose to deck her humble abode with ornaments and baubles two months ahead of Christmas.
She shared a picture of her beautiful Christmas tree on a Facebook post, aptly blaming Kmart as the reason why she decorated in advance.
Despite the overwhelming sentiment that any month other than December is too early, a few of you highlighted that sprucing things up for Christmas is ultimately up to one's preferences.
'I think these days, it is a personal choice!' said member @JulieByfield—something echoed by members @Ezzy and @PattiB.
'I haven't put a tree up for some years now; the kids are all grown up and do their own thing, but I can remember always putting the tree up in October (sometimes) and taking it down on New Year's Day, or thereabouts.'
Member @OldBells also offered their take, and for them, the act provides some reprieve.
'The shops start putting things out as early as August…,' they said.
'I think, considering the last couple of years and the current high costs, we all need a bit of cheering up and decorating the house for Christmas should be sooner rather than later. It lifts the spirit.'
So, members, what are your thoughts on early Christmas items making their way into retail stores? Do you mind them, or do you prefer shopping this early for the holidays? Let us know what you think in the comments below—we'd love to hear from you!
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