Christmas shopping starts earlier every year, even before Halloween. Here’s why.
Early Holiday Sales Spark Strong Reactions from Consumers
Large retail stores across North America have kicked off their holiday sales earlier than ever before, and consumers are taking notice. The extended selling window has garnered mostly negative opinions from those who spoke to the Washington Examiner.
“It makes me turn into a combination of Charlie Brown and Ted Kaczynski,” said Washington state resident Brett McGowan.
One Canadian consumer, Cheryl Qzee Erickson, expressed her frustration, saying, “I noticed Christmas stuff two weeks ago and said, ‘That’s ridiculous! They can at least wait until Halloween is over.’ Although truthfully, I think they should wait until Remembrance Day [Veterans Day in the United States] is over.”
Even layout artist Richard Coda from Arizona couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw a Christmas display at Home Depot on October 25th, exclaiming, “It’s not even Halloween yet!”
For Texas-based retailer Peter Hensel, the early sales diminish the specialness of the holiday season. He stated, “It makes me think of the holidays as less special.”
Hannah Rose Williams, creator of the Shatterrealm webcomic, had a particularly strong reaction, saying, “Going to Walmart feels like walking into a dystopian realm, and not in a fun way. I am either growing/preserving/baking my own food or taking the briefest possible trips to ALDI, which doesn’t carry much that isn’t food.”
Despite the complaints, this trend of early holiday sales is more pronounced than ever before, according to trade expert Hitendra Chaturvedi. He explained, “The trend in holiday season over the past few years has been that it is spreading across more months and starting early. Retailers have already realized it.”
Chaturvedi pointed to retail giant Amazon as an example, highlighting their multiple sales events leading up to the holidays. Black Friday is just one of many big sales for the company.
Furthermore, Chaturvedi revealed that 50% of customers now start their holiday shopping in October, with only about 10% waiting until December. Retailers are taking note of this shift and are even targeting students with early sales to capture a share of their upcoming loan payments.
While there were barriers to offering earlier sales in the past, e-commerce has changed the game. Chaturvedi explained, “With e-commerce, setup costs are lower to run a huge sale,” and brick-and-mortar stores are trying to keep up.
Improved supply chains have also played a role in this shift, making global coordination easier. However, Chaturvedi emphasized that supply chains were not the main driving force behind retailers’ decision to start sales earlier.
Supply Chains Adapt to Meet the Demand
A McKinsey & Company survey revealed that 95% of supply chain leaders faced challenges in the past year and took steps to make their supply chains more flexible and resilient. Many companies brought suppliers closer to their main markets, nearshored production, and increased backup production sites.
Advancements in AI technology have also contributed to supply chain improvements. IBM, for example, has achieved a 100% order fulfillment rate and reduced supply chain costs by $160 million through a cognitive approach.
While the impact of earlier sales on retailers remains uncertain, early feedback suggests that consumers are open to the idea. A Gallup poll conducted in October found that 28% of holiday shoppers would consider starting their shopping earlier than usual. Additionally, 41% of U.S. holiday shoppers plan to start their shopping before November.
However, concerns about the economy and uncertainty surrounding this new sales strategy have led to a recent softening in retail stocks. Retailers such as Kohl’s, Foot Locker, and Nike have experienced significant hits to their stock prices.
Despite these challenges, retailers are hopeful that earlier sales will provide a much-needed boost. The holiday season hangs in the balance, and the success of these sales could determine whether it will be a joyous Christmas and a happy New Year for the industry.
Source: The Washington Examiner
How are retailers adapting to meet the demands of consumers during the holiday season
Rce, retailers are no longer confined to physical store locations and can reach customers around the clock. This gives them the flexibility to extend their holiday sales and capture early shoppers.”
However, not all consumers are opposed to the early holiday sales. Some see it as a convenience and an opportunity to plan ahead. Amy Johnson, a mother of two from New York, said, “I actually appreciate the early sales because it gives me more time to budget and plan for holiday expenses. It takes away some of the last-minute stress.”
Similarly, Mark Matthews, a college student from California, said, “I prefer to start my holiday shopping early to avoid the crowds and ensure I get the best deals. The early sales allow me to do that.”
It appears that while the early holiday sales may be met with mixed reactions, retailers are catering to the changing behavior of consumers. The rise of online shopping and the desire for convenience have driven the shift toward earlier sales. Retailers are adapting to meet the demands of their customers and maximize their profits during the holiday season.
In conclusion, the early holiday sales have sparked strong reactions from consumers, with many expressing frustration and a sense of holiday fatigue. However, retailers are embracing the trend and capitalizing on the changing behavior of shoppers. Whether consumers appreciate the extended selling window or not, it seems that early holiday sales are here to stay.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
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