Four months before the holiday, Christmas trees and other festive items have already begun to appear in shops throughout the US. This early start to the shopping season coincides with Americans looking to stretch their finances as a result of inflation.
This month, images of the trees appeared on social media, surprising shoppers who wondered why the traditionally holiday-themed evergreens were being promoted in the midst of the sweltering summer.
With Home Depot releasing Christmas merchandise as early as mid-July, supermarket mainstays Costco, Sam’s Club, and Walmart were among the many businesses to present the apparent premature displays in August.
The holiday, which is still 118 days away, may appear, at best, on the horizon to some, while others have criticized the early stocking as “madness” and a “money grab” in light of the current economic unrest seen throughout the US.
Instead, some savvy consumers have welcomed early stocking, taking advantage of the discounts being provided by the stores to encourage them to purchase the trees earlier than they may first want.
The phenomena, however, testifies to the present depressing status of the American economy, which has been severely hampered by inflation over the last year under President Joe Biden, with winter yet to come to an end and Halloween still two months away.
Christmas trees and other festive products have already surfaced at stores across the US four months ahead of the holiday – a premature start to the shopping season that comes as Americans feeling the strain of inflation look to stretch their budgets
Costco is now selling 7.5-foot and 12-foot Christmas trees to customers for $499 and $1,149, respectively.
Costco is now selling 7.5-foot and 12-foot Christmas trees to customers for $499 and $1,149, respectively.
The business also sells smaller, light-up variants for as little as $140 for those seeking for something more understated, with more middle-sized choices costing between $200 and $800.
Given that large retailers like Walmart and Target have recently observed customers are cutting back on discretionary spending and prioritizing food and petrol due to growing expenses, those prices are expected to rise as the holidays approach.
Having saying that, the holiday summer stock continues. Additionally, the shop is selling holiday decorations including Frosty the Snowman figurines and effigies and Mickey Mouse Nutcracker sculptures, which are both priced at $119.99 for a pair.
Shoppers across the country have posted photos of the rapidly surfacing displays at the big box stores, who are trying to attract consumers with deals on the decorations
Costco is now selling 7.5-foot and 12-foot Christmas trees to customers for $499 and $1,149, respectively.
Costco is now selling 7.5-foot and 12-foot Christmas trees to customers for $499 and $1,149, respectively.
The business also sells smaller, light-up variants for as little as $140 for those seeking for something more understated, with more middle-sized choices costing between $200 and $800.
Given that large retailers like Walmart and Target have recently observed customers are cutting back on discretionary spending and prioritizing food and petrol due to growing expenses, those prices are expected to rise as the holidays approach.
Having saying that, the holiday summer stock continues. Additionally, the shop is selling holiday decorations including Frosty the Snowman figurines and effigies and Mickey Mouse Nutcracker sculptures, which are both priced at $119.99 for a pair.
For those looking for something more subtle, the store also offers smaller, light-up options for as low as $140, such as these 4.5-footers, with more medium-sized alternatives ranging from $200 to $800
As the holidays approach, prices of the festive trees are anticipated to rise since, as large retailers have seen, people are prioritizing food and petrol due to growing expenses rather than discretionary expenditure.
Others were just perplexed by the decorations’ early September appearance in retailers. Someone questioned, “Why are Christmas trees for sale at Costco?”
Another person questioned the business and labeled it: What in the heck are you thinking, Costco! Even though September 1 has not yet arrived, we have already begun shopping for Christmas trees.
I suppose you may have to accompany me to Costco, another, more motivated consumer wrote.
In contrast, Walmart and Sam’s Club, who together have around 5,400 sites throughout the US, are also selling trees for as little as $49.
With Walmart recently stating that its low-priced food and consumables were even pulling more middle- and higher-income consumers, it coincides with decades-high inflation, even if it is now slowing.
Increased inventory levels at shops as a result of customers cutting down on discretionary spending owing to inflation have also compelled retailers to offer steep discounts to get rid of extra stock.
Since customers are reducing discretionary spending owing to high inflation, businesses have been compelled to offer steep discounts to remove surplus inventory.
While retailer inventories continue to soar and many financially constrained Americans are still unwilling to spend what little discretionary money they may have, others are providing deals to reduce waste this holiday season.
The cost of food increased 12.2 percent countrywide this summer compared to a year earlier, which is the fastest rate since April 1979, according to the most recent statistics on inflation.
Last month’s total inflation rate reached a four-decade high of 9.1% thanks in large part to skyrocketing food costs. Since then, the rate has somewhat declined to 8.5 percent.
The cost of increasing food and transportation costs is straining many family budgets, and a recent research indicated that 61 percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck.
Major retailers, including Walmart Inc. and Target Corp., have recently reported declines in consumer spending over the last year.
As consumers struggle to stretch their salaries through the month and put food on the table, discount chains, especially dollar shops, have witnessed a large increase in grocery sales.
With that stated, a recent CNBC study published earlier this month found that more than 4 in 10 are spending less on food, and around a third are using their credit cards more often to get through the financial crisis.
Another NielsenIQ survey found that consumers are spending less on daily essentials like bread, eggs, and milk as well as processed items like juice boxes, with discretionary purchases becoming increasingly rarer.
A gallon of ordinary fuel still costs an average of over $4.50, but 65 percent of respondents said they were spending less on concerts and other forms of entertainment, while another 61 percent said they were driving less.
Everything from supply chain concerns to the influence of the conflict in Ukraine on the food and energy markets is blamed for inflation by experts. Although President Joe Biden’s favor rating has fallen to roughly 37%, high costs are undoubtedly a factor.