Retailers are increasingly advancing the launch of holiday-themed merchandise to meet consumer demand for an extended festive season. Retailers like Bath and Body Works, Whole Foods, and Krispy Kreme have released festive items weeks earlier than in previous years. This strategy caters to shoppers eager for seasonal offerings and compensates for an abbreviated holiday shopping window due to Thanksgiving falling on November 28 this year.
The trend began pre-pandemic but accelerated as supply chain disruptions prompted consumers to purchase seasonal goods promptly. Brian Lutz from Hefty indicated the popularity of their cinnamon pumpkin spice-scented trash bags, which have been released earlier each year since selling out in seconds in prior seasons. Consumers are driven by the desire to find joy in uncertain times, according to Mac Harman of Balsam Hill. He noted that decorating "brings joy and reduces stress" in a climate marked by geopolitical and domestic turmoil.
Bath and Body Works launched candle scents like Bright Christmas Morning to all customers on Sept. 24, versus Oct. 9 last year. Starbucks rolled out its fall drinks two days before 2023's Aug. 24 launch. And Whole Food bumped its schedule up two weeks, putting items like pumpkin spice pancake mix on shelves during the first two weeks of September. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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