manufacturers pushing the calendar

**mira** · 08-26-2008, 10:18 PM

DH and I had to take the cars in today. While we waited we wandered the shopping center. I was literally stopped in my tracks by the gorgeous display in one window. Not because it was gorgeous...because it was all Halloween! Folks it's not even Labor Day yet and they've already got the Halloween merchandise out? I expect to hear Christmas bells next week.

Is anyone else fed up with the way manufacturers and store push the calendar, attempting to subvert the joy in a season by pushing the next one down your throat? I'm really upset about this, it's never bothered me to this extent before but I'm getting fed up with the endless message to buy, buy, buy instead of enjoying the rhythms of life.

**Lady_V** · 08-26-2008, 11:10 PM

I noticed Halloween costumes a few weeks ago, right where the 'back to school supplies' had been. School hasn't even started here and already

The Christmas trees usually go up in a few weeks, so it's not out of the ordinary to see the trees next to the clearance Halloween items.

I noticed last year they rushed rushed rushed the holidays in... by the time the holiday rolled around, you were sick of looking at things... and I also noticed the clearance items didn't last long. What once was a month long reduction sale lasted only a WEEK and they packed the things away!

**keeperofthehome** · 08-27-2008, 07:01 AM

I know, I was looking at the CVS or Walgreens ad this weekend and there were sales on Halloween candy printed. Give me a break!

I admit, I have put out my Fall decorations in the house, as I am so ready for cooler weather to give us a break from this 100*+ weather everyday. But my decor is generic to Fall not to Halloween or Thanksgiving, so it flows through the September-November months easily.

But I am not ready to see Christmas decor out just yet.

**tammy8701** · 08-27-2008, 07:57 AM

last weekend when we went grocery shopping l went to the dollar store and they had halloween and christmas decorations out

**Dancing Lotus** · 08-27-2008, 08:33 AM

Well I can't speak for the big box stores, that just silly.
However for me as a Handmade crafter of holiday goods I have no choice but to put my Halloween merchandise out now. Why? Well, because of time. IF I wait until it's closer to Halloween to make my things and put them out I will loose most of my sales. I simply won't have enough selling time to make any money and I won't have enough time to make many. I have to get Halloween out of the way before October in order to have enough time to make my Christmas merchandise.
I agree that as a consumer it seams strange and silly. I used to feel that way too. Infact I used to get angry about it.
But this year I am learning a lot and now I can understand why retailers do it.
If folks don't want to see the stuff out so early then they need to stop buying it so early. IF you don't buy it we won't put it out.

I Sold 5 witches hats last week alone, and some other various halloween decorations. The fact is I am in business to make money and if I don't put my things out when everyone else is I won't make any because people will buy other things and then when my stuff comes out they won't buy any because they will have already spent there money.

**JanieD** · 08-27-2008, 03:07 PM

Noticed Marshalls had Halloween stuff over 2 weeks ago (mid August). I liked several items, but didn't buy anything. I'm sure its gone by now. Guess its a good thing since I didn't really need more stuff. I thought its too early, but now I know why I can't find stuff closer to the holiday... it sold months ago!

**mira** · 08-27-2008, 07:51 PM

But isn't it ridiculous that you have to think about it that far in advance? It's almost as bad a clothes. If I don't buy my kids winter coats before mid September there aren't any when they need them starting in December. Why is that? Because in December the manufacturers are setting out the spring clothes which no one can wear until April.

**StaceyS** · 08-28-2008, 03:32 PM

Yeah - not only the costumes and decorations - but halloween candy... come on!

**reginaastralis** · 08-28-2008, 03:55 PM

I work for Cracker Barrel, and right now we have Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas out. Now, CB usually has three Christmas trees ... and I can't remember how early they brought out all three last year, but so far they only have one. I heard complaints a lot last year about the obsence timing of the holidays. So far, not as much ... but I still can't get over the fact that one week after they brought out the Halloween merchandise they were bringing out Christmas stuff.

I used to work for Michael's and I would get the complaints a lot from costumers "Ugh, I hate when they shove holidays down our throats" I can honestly see where Michael's and the like are coming from since a lot of their items are things for people to make. You have to start early as another poster stated to be able to get your wares out. I would often explain to customers that we were "on season ahead" since many of the things sold were crafts. People didn't always buy it ... or understand for that matter. I don't see the need of having Halloween costumes out in the middle of August, but I do understand having the Fall flowers out to make wreats with.

**YankeeMom** · 08-28-2008, 04:32 PM

I here ya. The stores here had Back to School supplies out the first week of July. School didn't even let out for summer here until July 24th! Halloween stuff has been out since the beginning of August. I'm already seeing peeks of Christmas stuff out.

**Parksfamily5** · 08-28-2008, 04:58 PM

Our Hobby Lobby has had christmas out for at least 2 months.

**keeperofthehome** · 08-28-2008, 05:12 PM

I can totally understand the craft stores having seasons out before hand. But the decorations and candy at the other places in the middle of summer is not necessary in my books. Things you need for making your craft items is one thing but costumes, artificial trees, tree skirts, stockings, etc. that is just pushing the limit.

**mira** · 08-28-2008, 10:43 PM

Okay, I can maybe understand for the crafts that you need to make. But clothing, decorations, specialty foods, and the like is just ridiculous.

**HandyMom** · 08-29-2008, 12:01 AM

I don't like it either. I see Christmas stuff out already! Makes me want to leave the store in a hurry so they aren't going to make any $$ off of me.

**Holly** · 08-29-2008, 05:53 AM

I'll need to start getting my Christmas stuff in about 2 weeks for my Christmas shows.
I usually do them all year around but this year I'm only doing one or two shows.
Like Ann says you have to put it out early if your gonna compete with the stores like Walmart etc.