Does Christmas shopping get earlier every year?

With summer officially over, it’s time to start thinking ahead to the cooler months and the many delightful occasions it brings. Whilst in previous years, you wouldn’t expect to see displays of Christmas decorations and gifts until after Halloween, major retailers have surprised us a little earlier this year.

Here we take a closer look at the ‘Christmas creep’ and ask, how early is too early to start your Christmas shop?

Does the festive season start earlier every year?

The simple answer to this question is – yes! The start of the festive season and the many beautiful displays it is known for has gotten earlier and earlier in recent years. This year, tidings even began to appear in stores during late summer, beating Halloween displays to the punch to shove a little festive spirit down our throats before the weather even began to change.

Could the pandemic be to blame?

Many studies have found that the Covid-19 pandemic was a lead cause of Christmas coming a little earlier to retail stores and homes across the country. The pandemic saw many events, occasions and gatherings postponed or cancelled, which meant everyone was counting down to Christmas and the meaningful celebration it promised.

With this unexpected consequence affecting the timescales of Christmas appearing in stores, consumers were inspired to start shopping a little earlier too. Further research has found that sales increase once stores begin to put up their decorations. With festive themed displays already appearing nationwide, it seems retailers are determined to increase the Christmas shopping window by some weeks this year.

Should I start my Christmas shop right now?

Avoiding the December rush has always been recommended when timing your Christmas shop just right. But with festive displays springing up in late summer this year, you could run the risk of missing out on the season’s bestsellers if you don’t start shopping soon.

Despite the early Christmas displays, it appears that old habits still die hard for UK shoppers. With the busiest in-store shopping days in the run up to Christmas being the Saturday before the big event, the day before Christmas Eve, and the Saturday after Black Friday.

Looking to start your Christmas shop a little earlier?

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