 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
• Return to news list
Christmas Crackers
From The Manchester Evening News
Tuesday, 9th August 2005
Christmas? Crackers!
IT'S the second week in August, a time when a shopper's thoughts turn to suntan lotion, barbecue charcoal - and Christmas decorations.
With only 136 shopping days to go, one of Manchester's leading retailers has decided the time has come to put out its range of festive goods.
Costco in Trafford Park is selling Christmas decorations, cards, ornaments and toys, and store bosses say they are flying off the shelves.
A spokesman for the firm said: "I always smile when I see Christmas items going through the tills in August.
Wholesaler
"But it's becoming like this every year. We have no idea why so many people buy so early. Perhaps they are spreading the spending over a longer period, or perhaps they just like to get it out of the way.
"Costco is a wholesaler and shoppers have to have a membership card to buy goods. Many customers are traders themselves, which might give an explanation for why they are stocking up early."
Another store introducing the Christmas spirit early is Harrods in London, which even enjoyed a visit from Father Christmas yesterday.
Swapping his reindeer for Blackpool beach donkey Dino and donning an old-fashioned bathing suit and sunglasses, he brought a dusting of Lapland snow as the store unveiled its special Christmas range, with toy Daleks and life-like Robopets tipped to be this year's hits with children.
A survey has shown 77 per cent of people think Christmas comes too early and is too commercialised.
But shopkeepers obviously find the other 23 per cent well worth catering for.
© Copyright 2005 Manchester Evening News. If you wish to use this article for commercial purposes please contact our syndication department.
|
|
 |
|
|
