While many people are still enjoying their Christmas break and looking forward to the New Year, Easter merchandise has already started appearing in stores across the UK. Despite the holiday being four months away, shops are already stocking up on ‘Happy Easter’ gift bags, fluffy bunny toys, Easter eggs, and bonnets.
Initially surprised by the early display of Easter items, especially during the winter season, I began to have mixed feelings about it. While it’s understandable to want something to look forward to, the early merchandising tactics can create stress for some who feel pressured to plan ahead for the next event before fully enjoying the current one.
Although January can be a gloomy month, the early presence of Easter products can serve as a reminder that warmer days are ahead and offer a glimpse of future celebrations, which may not be entirely negative.
As a parent of a 3-year-old who is just starting to grasp the holiday spirit, I have been immersed in Christmas activities throughout the month. Transitioning from the festive season to a post-holiday period can be challenging, and introducing the idea of Easter in advance can help maintain excitement and anticipation.
While it may seem premature to stock Easter items so early, psychotherapist Kamalyn Kaur explained that retailers strategically introduce seasonal products ahead of time to trigger psychological impulses that drive early purchases. The early display of Easter eggs can create a sense of urgency and scarcity, prompting consumers to buy sooner to avoid missing out or facing higher prices closer to the holiday.
Despite the early presence of Easter merchandise, I personally feel it’s too soon to start Easter shopping. However, I acknowledge the value of looking forward to upcoming events during a potentially dreary month like January. So, if you’re already planning for Easter or other big celebrations, embrace it as a way to combat the post-holiday blues and enjoy the process!