Why Retailers Are Starting the Holiday Season Extra Early

Jumpstarting the Season

The holiday shopping season is arriving earlier than ever this year.

Some retailers are concerned that the presidential election could negatively affect spending around the holidays, reports Axios. There are also fewer days between Black Friday and Christmas Day this year than there were in 2023. All this has led retailers to break out the holiday items extra early, just in case spending might slow throughout the season.

Christmas in September

You may find Christmas trees or other decorations for sale on your next visit to stores like Costco (COST), or Sam’s Club (WMT), as several major retailers have started offering holiday-themed merchandise or promotions. DIY retail giants like Lowe’s (LOW) and Home Depot (HD) have already listed wreaths, trees, and holiday inflatables online.

Shifting Supply Chains

But it’s not just about politics. A longer shopping season gives companies more time to manage their inventory and manage their risks.

With many retailers citing slowing consumer spending as a worry for the future, being careful in their sales planning is extra important this year. By getting an early start, businesses may be hoping to mitigate a potential sales downturn in the final months of the year.

For Americans, a longer window to shop for the season has its advantages too, from straining their budgets less, to looking for deals and shopping around – as long as they can stomach seeing Christmas wreaths for sale next to Halloween candy.

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