Kmart customers shocked by September Christmas display
There may be more than 100 days to Christms, but stores are doling out the festive cheer early, much to the irritation of some customers.
Kmart shoppers have gawked at early Christmas displays filling shelves in mid-September.
One customer spotted an influx of Christmas trees and festive decorations at the discount department chain’s Burwood store in Sydney’s inner west.
“How soon is too soon to start selling Christmas decorations,” wrote a Reddit user, sharing a photo of the Kmart’s growing festive display that was taken on September 8.
Responding to the photos, their was a mixed response to the display.
“Seriously? It’s not Christmas season yet, tis Spooky Season!” read one comment.
“Completely ridiculous. What the hell..” shared another irritated customer.
Others were annoyed but more forgiving.
“I really don’t give a rats. I’m the one who’s buying the Hot Cross Buns the day after Boxing Day. And I’m sure if I will any fruit cake anytime soon, it’ll be in my trolley,” shared one user.
“If people are buying it, then it’s not too early. And trust me people buy it. We used to rope off the department for a day or two while getting set up and people would duck under the barriers to grab items. They can’t even wait the extra two days,” wrote another.
Some responses also made note that the early release of Christmas stock meant shoppers could pre-purchase items on lay-by and begin saving for the December.
“Some people like to start buying their Christmas stuff early so they can spread out the expense over a few months, rather than throwing down a huge chunk of cash in late November,” one comment read.
“I used to think Christmas stuff shouldn’t be sold until mid November, but I now see that not everyone can afford to shop and prepare in that way (price from supply and demand, lay-bys, etc),” commented another Reddit user.
In August, Woolworths and Costco shockers customers with their early offerings of Christmas products, including Christmas salted caramel pudding, chocolate sponge pudding and matured Christmas pudding.
Bulk retailer Costco had also begun advertising their Christmas tree and ornaments range
A Woolworths spokesperson told news.com.au that minimising waste during the festive season was the reason behind the decision.
“It’s only a few months until Christmas, and we know many of our customers start planning for the festive and entertaining season early on,” the spokesperson said.
“With cost of living and sustainability in mind, we’re expecting customers to be looking for more ways to save and minimise waste this Christmas.
“Some of our customers like to purchase products early and have them stocked away to help spread out their Christmas spend. Others like to taste test products to ensure they hit the spot for their big Christmas feast.”
Despite the faraway holiday, Australia Post boss Paul Graham has already issued a warning to last minute Xmas shoppers. He advised people to begin their planning now to avoid last minute supply chain woes and disappointments.
“I think the merchants are in much better shape than they have been the past couple of years. But if we get a similar sales surge as we have got the past couple of years, there will be some challenges,” he said.
This comes as the national postal service announced their seasonal recruitment process, with hopes of hiring 5000 to 7000 workers during the Christmas period.
High-school leavers and retirees are being eyed by Australia Post, with Mr Graham hoping the alternative workers will fill big gaps in the labour force.
“We will be tapping into all areas,” Mr Graham said.
“We have a focus on for example with high school-leavers, so they come in for a couple of months, and we are tapping into our retirees who have not worked for Australia Post for a while and are still physically fit and very passionate about Australia Post.”