As autumn leaves begin to fall, you might already notice the festive spirit starting to creep into stores across the nation, even before the last of the summer sales have ended. In September 2017, retailers were more eager than ever to bring out the holiday cheer with Christmas decor. Here are five telltale signs that stores are gearing up for the holiday season earlier than you might expect:
Early Bird Sales and Promotions
Retailers kick off their Christmas marketing strategy well before the calendar actually flips to December. Here’s how they entice shoppers early on:
- Pre-Season Sales: Stores start promoting early bird deals on Christmas decorations to get shoppers in the buying mood.
- Holiday Catalogs: By September, stores send out holiday catalogs or email blasts, showcasing Christmas decorations and seasonal products to start the shopping rush.
- Marketing Events: Events like “Black Friday Preview” or “Pre-Black Friday Sales” become the norm to lure in early holiday shoppers.
The Festive In-Store Atmosphere
The moment you step into a store, the festive atmosphere is palpable:
- Stores rearrange their layouts to make room for holiday decor. Christmas trees, lights, and decorations start taking over aisles.
- Seasonal music fills the air, creating an inviting Christmas shopping environment even in September.
- Window displays feature Santa, reindeer, and snowflakes, visually heralding the approach of Christmas.
The Shelves Start Overflowing with Christmas Decor
The volume and variety of Christmas decor in stores is a sure sign that the holiday season is approaching:
- From ornaments and tinsel to wreaths and garlands, shelves are stocked high with holiday decor.
- Artificial trees of all sizes and styles, from traditional evergreen to modern, minimalist designs, are prominently displayed.
- Exterior decor like LED lights for gardens, inflatable Santas, and Nativity scenes are also put on display early to attract shoppers’ attention.
Seasonal Products Overflowing
Beyond decorations, stores also fill up with:
- Candles, candle holders, and scent diffusers with holiday scents like cinnamon, pine, and peppermint.
- Holiday-themed kitchenware, including cookie cutters, mugs, and baking supplies to encourage holiday baking and cooking.
- Stocking stuffers, calendars, and advent calendars are available to help people start their gift buying early.
🎄 Note: Seasonal products are not only about decor; they also include food items, gifts, and special seasonal toys that are perfect for early shopping.
Early Gift Wrapping Stations
Stores get a jump start on the gift-giving season with:
- Gift-wrapping stations or corners emerge, offering holiday-themed wrapping paper, ribbons, and tags.
- Professional gift wrapping services might even be offered to ease the last-minute rush.
- This early display encourages customers to start shopping for gifts sooner, perhaps avoiding the hustle and bustle of December shopping.
Retailers introduce Christmas decor in September 2017 to capitalize on several key factors: extending the holiday shopping season, reducing the chaos and competition of December, and strategically positioning themselves for better sales figures. With these signs, the festive spirit not only brightens our homes earlier but also shapes our shopping behavior and planning for the holidays.
Why do stores start selling Christmas items so early?
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Stores start selling Christmas items early to extend the holiday shopping season, reduce last-minute chaos, and potentially increase sales over a longer period.
Is there a strategy behind early holiday decor placement?
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Yes, retailers strategically place holiday decor early to draw shoppers in, create excitement, and encourage an earlier start to holiday shopping.
What can I do with my Halloween decor when stores start selling Christmas items?
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You can enjoy your Halloween decor until the end of October. Then, you can store it away or repurpose elements for Christmas decor.
How early can I start my Christmas shopping?
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With stores starting Christmas sales in September, you can begin your holiday shopping as early as you feel ready, taking advantage of early bird specials.
