I've always enjoyed shopping in Hobby Lobby. I love the soothing hymns playing in the background instead of the irritating loud rock music or "elevator music" you hear in so many stores, and I also admire their policy of closing on Sundays.
BUT, I was in a Hobby Lobby store yesterday and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Christmas decor already on the shelves!
(This is not my picture, but one I found on the Internet showing a Christmas display at Hobby Lobby)
It's mid-July, with temperatures hitting 100 degrees, the Mississippi humidity turning the outdoors into a giant sauna, and there were probably five or six aisles filled to the brim with Christmas decorations! Talk about Christmas in July!
I usually get upset when I see stores displaying Christmas decorations before Halloween ... but JULY?? Maybe it's just me, but it really bothered me and I felt like voicing my opinion to the store manager. However, I refrained, and just left instead. How do you feel about stores doing this? Does it bother you?
14 comments:
I totally agree with you. I've noticed this trend too. It all began when we were fighting in Viet Nam. People wanted to Christmas shop and send a package to their loved ones, so the stores accommodated by displaying Christmas early. But with the transportation available, we certainly don't need to begin in July. We are rushing through our lives!
Well, I think in the case of Hobby Lobby they are putting it out for craft enthusiasts who need time to make their goodies. Do you think? I will tell you an experience I've had, I needed Christmas ribbon a couple of years ago and went a few weeks before Christmas. It was gone! I just don't buy that stuff in the summer. It doesn't call to me.
I was in Hobby Lobby last week and commented to my daughter that I couldn't believe they had Christmas decorations out already!! And the other irritating thing is that if you don't go ahead and buy what you need now, it will all be gone by Halloween!! Crazy!!
BTW, I loved seeing the birth of those precious hummingbirds...thank you for the photo that showed how small their nest really is...what an amazing work of God!!
Janie, Retailers rush every season and holiday to make their money! I went into Target yesterday to find some outdoor furniture/accessories. The area where the summer merchandise was a week ago is now filled with back to school items! I now don't have the opportunity to purchase summer items DURING the summer. Seasonal items are now clearanced in most stores and supplies are very low.
Haven't seen any Christmas items yet, but I'm sure they'll be out soon. Local management has little or no say as to when stock will come in and go out on the floor- corporate greed dictates that! But I will definitely fire off a quick e-mail just to let them know this consumer thinks they are rushing it!!
I agree that it is way too early. We are rushing through life anticipating the next thing rather enjoying today. Like you, though, I do enjoy Hob Lob's background music. Sally
I have to agree. I am not thinking of Christmas right now! LOL...too hot!
There was a discussion last week on the news concerning Sears putting out Christmas items. The news person was reporting that it was an effort to spur buying and improving retail purchasing.
I am a long time reader and am delurking! I live in a suburb of Dallas. On 6/6 I had to stop by HL for some VBS crafts and was floored to find that Christmas was already out. And it was the first week of JUNE!!!! I couldn't believe it. I don't like it at all.
I love HL but truly do not like Christmas out before Halloween. I remember when it wasn't out until Thanksgiving.
Love your blog, it truly is a langiappe!
Zai Jian!
The HL I go to started clearing garden and outdoor items in June and stocking with Christmas items. I was in there few days ago and a huge area was fully stocked. Fall and Halloween has been stocked for a while.
Glenda
I just stopped by from Tonja's site after reading your heartfelt and most precious post...you wrote what many of us have been feeling, so perfectly. I just wanted to drop by and say "hello" to an obviously very lovely person. Tonja is so special it is hard to see her go through so much pain at this time. I know your words had to be comforting...I've tried many times with little success to sum up in a few words what you managed to say to her...just wanted to let you know...from someone who has been where Tonja is now...your words were perfect.
Blessings...
Teresa
It is a tad too early, for me.
Hallmark has had the Christmas ornament event, in July, for many many years. I remember, in the late 80's, lining up to pick up my series ornaments, in July. I scaled back on my collecting and don't attend the event these days, preferring to order online.
Janie, Fred mentioned this to me yesterday when we were in the Dollar Tree and saw fall out and a tiny bit of Christmas. He said that some stores already had their Christmas out. I am stunned. But I think it's the economy. I've noticed a lot of store closings, and I think merchants are feeling the pinch. I pray that they can stay afloat so I'm not faulting them this year.
How interesting that people don't want to acknowledge God in the schools or on our money, yet merchants turn to Christmas to help them make it through the year!
Look at it this way, maybe it will turn people's eyes toward the Lord.
XO,
Sheila :-)
I guess they can put out the decorations whenever they want to but I agree that July is really early. Besides, I don't buy much there until it goes on sale or I have a coupon.
Gretchen
When I worked at a craft store, it sort of seemed odd to see holiday decorations when most people were thinking about swimming, but it does make sense for smart crafters. Many people craft all year round. As for me, I have been known to finish a gift on Christmas Eve.
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