THERE are still a few weeks left of summer, but some retailers are already looking ahead to another season – and we’re not talking about fall.
Halloween may still be two months away, but some retailers, including Walmart, are already stocking their shelves with Christmas items and seasonal winter decor.
Walmart has already started stocking shelves with winter and holiday decor[/caption]
An employee stocks Christmas ornaments at a Walmart store location in Burbank, California, on Thursday, November 16, 2017[/caption]
A woman pushes a shopping cart past Christmas decorations displayed for sale at a Walmart store in Los Angeles, California, on November 24, 2014[/caption]
Shoppers have only recently come to terms with retailers stocking shelves with autumnal items and Halloween essentials like candy, costumes, and decor.
However, retail giants nationwide are already gearing up for colder, crisper weather months before the official start of the season, and we’re not talking about fall.
Shoppers at select Walmart locations across the US have already discovered the retailer stocking shelves with Christmas and winter holiday decor.
While the winter season doesn’t formally kick off until December 21, it’s not unusual for retailers to start selling winter items and holiday essentials weeks beforehand.
Still, the shift typically comes near the end of October, or immediately after Halloween – and not just a few days after September’s Labor Day holiday.
“@Walmart has no chill,” shopper Alexander Raymond wrote on his Facebook page.
“They are already putting up #christmas [items] a week after putting up #halloween [items],” he said.
SCARY FAST
This year, Walmart started selling Halloween and fall items in mid-to-late July.
“I will not stand for the shortening of the Spooky Season,” Alexander said, adding in a pumpkin emoji to his post.
“….But I bought the Stitch blow mold,” he said, adding in a photo of his new purchase.
Alexander had just purchased a Christmas Lighted Blow Mold Outdoor Decor Stitch at Walmart, which retails for $14.98 online.
Stitch is a well-known character from Disney’s 2002 animated science fiction comedy-drama film, Lilo & Stitch.
The decoration, which stands at just over a foot tall, is perfect for outdoor or indoor holiday decor.
Stitch appears to be standing on a mound of snow, and lights up with “energy-efficient LED lighting,” as specified in the item’s details.
Walmart Holiday Finds
Walmart is already selling hundreds of winter items and holiday decor essentials online.
Some shoppers have even noticed winter holiday decor at select stores nationwide.
Three unique holiday items made their way onto Walmart’s list of Best Sellers, including:
- Christmas Inflatable Snowman Outdoor Yard Decor with Rotating LED Lights, Christmas Blow Up Garden Decoration, 5 feet, $34.99
- Best Choice Products 6ft Pre-Lit Holiday Christmas Pine Tree w/ Snow Flocked Branches, 250 Warm White Lights, $99.99
- Best Choice Products 3ft Christmas Stocking Stand, Hanging Holiday Decor Display w/ Name Tags, Chalk Marker – Matte Black, $54.99
He is also decked out in winter gear, including a Santa hat, a green-and-red striped scarf, red boots, and matching red mittens.
Looking past Alexander’s purchase, his Facebook friends and followers agreed that it was “too soon” for the store to start selling winter items, including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza decor.
‘CHILL’
“I love Christmas more than the next but way too soon for decorations at any store,” one user wrote.
“We have a neighbor that already started displaying Halloween in their front yard,” another user shared.
“It’s September, peeps. Chill!” they added.
Other social media users seem to agree, with the consensus being that it’s just too early to be thinking about winter.
“Idk I feel like retail stores be rushing holidays,” one X user shared.
“It’s only August and I’ve already seen pumpkins, snowman’s, and new years decor,” they added.
“Some retailers are already beginning to push their holiday collections,” another user wrote, adding a crying emoji to their post.
“Let me dust my fall decor off first,” they added.
At the rate retailers are moving, it wouldn’t be surprising to start seeing Valentine’s Day cards and decor in the next few weeks.
The February holiday is, after all, a little over five months away.
Disney’s Christmas Lighted Blow Mold Outdoor Decor Stitch Disney, 12.5 in, sold at select Walmart stores and on Walmart’s website[/caption]
‘TIS THE SEASON
Walmart isn’t the only retailer gearing up for the winter holidays a little early.
Earlier this week, shoppers slammed Sam’s Club for already beginning to display indoor and outdoor holiday decor.
Giant snowmen, glitzy reindeer, and light-up Christmas tree figurines were seen lining the warehouse club’s lofty shelves.
Even Dollar Tree is getting in on the action, selling affordable, fluffy blankets perfect for staying warm on cold winter days.
