A few days ago as my daughter and I did some grocery shopping in a local supermarket chain here in St. Louis, I was surprised to see a whole aisle dedicated to Halloween. Being that school is just starting everywhere and it’s only August, I was rather taken aback at this scene.
I took to my Facebook page to sound off about this not-so-good development (can’t we get to the start of the school year first before being hounded with Halloween?), and a few of people in my FB community also mentioned that not only have they been seeing Halloween items in their stores, but Thanksgiving and Christmas decor as well. One person noted that one major store chain has had their Christmas items up since last month. July!
Something is truly wrong with this.
While I am not a Scrooge by any stretch of the imagination, I like to take my time easing into the seasons. I don’t want to be bombarded with fake Christmas trees, stockings, and wreaths in the summertime.
Last year, I blogged about Nordstrom saying no to the Christmas Creep by not decorating their stores in Christmas decor until after Thanksgiving, because they like to celebrate “one holiday at a time”.
This was a popular post as many people shared their disdain for department stores and chains putting sales and commercialism before common sense.
Each year, it seems that the Christmas Creep eases up further and further. Soon, there will be no need to take down the holiday items or decor, because they will be selling it in February and March!
The thought process behind this is that we actually will be buying Halloween items in July and August and Christmas items in September to avoid the holiday rush and chaos, but I am sure stores are off the mark by this. Just because I see Halloween items in August doesn’t mean I am going to purchase it any earlier than I normally do. I am still going to buy it in October.
And one of my readers poignantly pointed out that buying Halloween candy in July and August is rather gross. Can’t we get some fresh(er) candy for our Trick or Treaters?
I will be dressing up, eating turkey, and decking the halls when it’s appropriate to do so. And not a minute sooner.
What’s say you?
Yes, I this is something that I noticed earlier this week in the stores myself. I was just getting my nerves settled from the rush of ‘Beck to school’ mode, and the holiday decorations and displays mad me think about the fact that those days are approaching and stress out all over again!LOL
I think that it’s truly just too early–and it seems that they do it earlier every year. Retailers seem to try to “force” holiday buying on consumers, but it doesn’t work for me. Like you said, I’ll buy–if I buy–when I’m good and ready.
Thanks for sharing this one–I thought that it was just me! 🙂
No, it’s not just you, girl. I think most people agree with us as well. I love Nordstrom’s stance on celebrating one holiday at a time.
yes, it’s too early!! I saw all there holidays displayed at a craft store– I don’t like it!
Ugh. I was in Walgreen’s a couple of weeks ago when I looked up from where I was sitting in Pharmacy and saw Halloween candy boxes at the very top of the shelves. Like waiting for their chance to move to the seasonal aisle.
I was a little perturbed about this.