August’s not the usual time of year that you’d consider starting to get festive, but major department stores across the UK have heralded the commencing of Christmas months in advance this year.
Decked out in Christmas decorations, trees and ornaments, retail store displays at Selfridges, Harrods and Fortnum and Mason have decided to capitalise on the late summer tourists to sell, sell, sell.
And it looks like they might just do that, as sales in Selfridges’ Christmas shop which opened on 8 August have soared by 43 per cent in the first week of trading compared with last year.
We can see the logic in spreading the Christmas spirit as consumers will tend to buy gifts over several months rather than weeks to spread the cost when given the opportunity.
But while traditionalists cry in to their Santa’s sacks, it looks like department stores up and down the country will be laughing all the way to the bank with the swag bags they’re likely to get thanks to their unseasonable displays in the face of the recession.
If you’re after an innovative way to promote your Christmas lines in store, Design 4 Retail could be your Santa’s little helper.
Give us a tinkle on 01455 203 352 or email enquiries@design4retail.net and we’ll put a Christmas wishlist together for you!
