The holiday season in retail often begins well before the leaves start to turn, with stores decking their halls earlier each year. Here are five signs that your local stores will start transforming into holiday wonderlands as early as September 2018:
1. Halloween Inventory Is Already Being Marked Down
One of the key indicators that holiday decorations are about to invade retail spaces is when Halloween items begin to see price reductions. Here’s how you can tell:
- Deep Discounts: Look for sales on Halloween costumes, candy, and decor that are unusually high for this time of year.
- Clearance Racks: Halloween-themed products are moved to clearance racks or end-of-aisle displays to make room for the upcoming holiday rush.
🎃 Note: Keep in mind that clearance sales could also indicate stock clearance for next season, not necessarily for holiday preparations.
2. Pre-Holiday Sales and Marketing Campaigns
Retailers start teasing the holiday season with:
- Marketing Flyers: Flyers promoting Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals even though these events are weeks away.
- Social Media Teasers: Stores might start posting holiday-themed content or hinting at upcoming sales on their social media platforms.
3. Sighting of Santa’s Helpers
Soon, you might see:
- Santa Inflatables: Retail stores will start to assemble giant inflatable Santas or reindeer to draw in customers looking for holiday spirit.
- Decor Teams: Employees working late, unrolling yards of garland and strategically placing holiday decorations.
4. Christmas Lights and Decorations Are On Display
The seasonal decor section begins to grow:
- Lights Up: Strings of LED Christmas lights, fairy lights, and outdoor lighting appear in store displays.
- Decoration Explosion: From ornaments to trees, the store will start to resemble a winter wonderland.
5. Early Bird Holiday Promotions
Retailers might launch:
- Buy Early, Save More: Special promotions encouraging customers to purchase holiday items early with promises of better deals.
- Gift Wrapping Stations: Early setup of gift wrapping areas to entice shoppers with holiday convenience.
🎅 Note: These promotions are a tactic to extend the holiday shopping season, thereby boosting overall sales figures.
In summary, as we approach September 2018, keep an eye out for these telltale signs. Retailers are keen on capturing your holiday spirit early to increase their sales figures. With stores decking the halls earlier each year, the holiday season might seem to start in the dog days of summer. Yet, amidst the early promotions and decorations, there's an undeniable excitement in the air as we gear up for a time of giving and celebration.
Why do stores start holiday promotions so early?
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Early holiday promotions help retailers spread out their sales over a longer period, reducing the stress of the peak shopping season and increasing overall revenue.
Is it worth buying holiday decorations during off-season?
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Yes, off-season holiday decor sales often offer the best discounts, allowing you to save money while stocking up for next year’s celebrations.
How can I prepare for the early holiday season?
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Start making a list of gifts you want to buy, budget accordingly, and take advantage of early promotions for holiday decor and gifts to avoid last-minute rushes.
