As the vibrant colors of summer begin to fade, the allure of autumn beckons with its promise of cooler weather, cozy evenings, and of course, the festive decoration that comes with the season. While many of us are accustomed to waiting until September or October to start decking out our homes for fall, there are some surprising stores where you can find fall decor out early. Let's dive into these unexpected havens for early autumn enthusiasts and discover how you can begin decorating for fall a little sooner than expected.
1. Dollar Stores
Dollar stores like Dollar Tree and Family Dollar are well-known for their budget-friendly selections, but what many don’t realize is that they often start rolling out their seasonal merchandise well before other retailers. Here’s why they are great for early fall decor:
- Affordability: You can deck out your entire home without breaking the bank.
- Wide Variety: From spooky Halloween items to traditional fall decor, these stores offer a surprising range of choices.
- Seasonal Refresh: Dollar stores refresh their stock seasonally, meaning you’ll find new fall items as early as late summer.
📌 Note: Check out these stores in late August for the earliest pickings of fall decor!
2. Craft Stores
Craft stores like Michaels or Hobby Lobby are not just for DIY enthusiasts; they also offer a plethora of ready-made fall decor:
- Early Birds: Craft stores start displaying fall and Halloween crafts early to cater to those eager to start crafting.
- Quality Materials: The decor items here are often of higher quality, making them a bit more durable than typical dollar store finds.
- DIY Inspiration: These stores provide a wealth of inspiration if you’re looking to make your own fall decor.
🖍️ Note: Early visits to these stores can give you a head start on DIY projects.
3. Discount Retailers
Surprisingly, retailers like T.J. Maxx and Marshalls also jump on the fall decor bandwagon earlier than you might expect:
- Unique Finds: These stores stock items that you won’t typically find in other places, offering a chance to add unique decor to your home.
- Seasonal Sales: They often have sales to clear out summer stock, which can coincide with early fall decor arrivals.
💸 Note: Look for end-of-summer sales which can reduce the price of new fall decor!
4. Home Improvement Stores
It might not be the first place you think of, but stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s are stocked with fall decor items much earlier than the season:
- Outdoor Decor: Perfect for those wanting to bring the essence of fall to their exteriors.
- Practical Decor: Items like LED lighting for pathways or heat lamps for outdoor entertaining.
🔧 Note: Keep an eye out for energy-efficient and weather-resistant decor for outdoor use.
5. Big Box Stores
Big box retailers like Target and Walmart often surprise customers by having fall decor items out long before the season officially begins:
- Quick Sell-out: Since they stock popular items, early birds get the best selection.
- Online Shopping: Often, their online stock is updated before the physical stores, giving you a sneak peek.
👀 Note: Online browsing can help you stay updated on when stores start transitioning to fall merchandise.
In wrapping up, the delight of early fall decor isn't exclusive to high-end stores or specialty shops. By exploring these surprising outlets, you can enjoy the autumnal transformation of your home earlier than most, setting a cozy and festive atmosphere in your living spaces. Remember, the key to enjoying fall decor from these unexpected sources is to keep an eye out for when the seasonal stock begins to hit the shelves, allowing you to embrace the change of seasons well before others.
When should I start looking for fall decor?
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Start looking in late August or early September, as some stores begin transitioning their seasonal merchandise during this time.
Are early fall decorations cheaper?
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Not necessarily, but stores like dollar stores and discount retailers often offer sales as they clear out summer stock, which can make early purchases more affordable.
Where can I find the best DIY materials for fall decor?
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Craft stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby are your go-to places for high-quality DIY materials for fall decor projects.
Is it too early to buy Halloween decor if it’s July or August?
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No, if you spot Halloween decor items during these months, it’s a perfect opportunity to grab them early, especially if they’re seasonal and might sell out later.
