When does Christmas start?

[gary]

I'm interested to hear when you all think Christmas as a commercial event should start? I haven't had any Christmas decorations added to the site yet as it just seems too early now, it only being the first week of November, but only adding it in December seems too late!

Such dilemmas, I know! :D

Gary

[FocusZenith]

I went away last weekend to Norfolk (29-31st October) and was horrified to see a coffee shop with already had a proper christmas tree (plus lights) erected!

For me, Christmas can start about 27th November.

[kerryn]

As a family I dont christmas is ever far away - as a business technically we dont do christmas items as such only a small selection of christmas print nappy covers.

As far as decorating the girls in the machine room would have them up now if I let them, but Ive insisted Dec 1st is plenty soon enough.

Kerry

[SillyJokes]

I started present shopping for Christmas in October so I would imagine it is about time to make our Christmas section more prominent.

If you need to spread the cost without borrowing you have to buy early and you'll be looking out for Xmas related stuff.

I actually think it is OK for shops to be Christmassy early but not pubs, tea rooms, my home and restuarants.

[kerryn]

Ugh decoration up to early drive me totally insane, christmas eve is too soon!!

well actually I used to put the decorations up on the last day of school - unfortunately Ive become a bit of a collector of decorations and trees - I apparently have bought 4 trees and our decorating now takes upto 3 days.

I dont mind decorations in the pubs and resturants from early december what I hate is christmas dinner at every function.

Kerry

[MikeH]

Personally I think Christmas 'Fever' should start in December. From a commercial point of view it will depend on your business. If you are in a gift industry then this decision will probably be very important. I would imagine that your promotions will need to start very soon. Most oranisations are begining to gear up for the mad sales that surround christmas.

Mike.

[SPRone]

I have an aunt who runs an all-year-round Christmas shop in the Cotswolds. So for her Christmas never ends !!
In practice the shop is closed for about 6 weeks from mid-Jan to end of February. It's during this period that my aunt goes to the USA and buys up loads of their unsold Christmas stock.

[kerryn]

Thats brilliant - dont suppose she has a website I can visit?

kerry

[SPRone]

Thats brilliant - dont suppose she has a website I can visit?

kerry

Not as far as I know. She is very much a "traditional" retailer.

[SillyJokes]

Since I can see you are all planning early for Christmas what about the following which I ferreted out recently.



http://www.ferretstore.com/fw-006.html

[kerryn]

<sign> either someone here has waaaay too much time on his hands t find this type of site (lol) or someone out there has a very weird mind

Kerry - who hates ferrets

[SillyJokes]

It ranks 5 on google for 'Santa Suit' (a product I have more than a passing interest in) so wasn't too hard to find.

Last time I saw a ferret it was running up my leg while I put the baby in the car - appparantly it had been left in the woods deliberately but was tame. However I digress.

I still think that if you sellstuff for Christmas now is the time to start promoting it and don't delay.

[gary]

Thanks everyone. I'm just getting the last of the Christmas stock in this week, so will get the decorations up shortly! :)

Gary

[Ozzy]

My wife was playing Xmas Carols on the hi-fi this week :( I am NOT putting that CD in for the hold music just yet, personally I like to wait till it's at least December but in business I start planning Xmas around September (xmas night out, gifts, etc)