Shop Early for Christmas - Why

Be_Happy

Simply a vent, but why are shops full of Christmas goods, food ordering, etc when we have no idea whether family Christmas will be happening.  How can you buy food for a gathering or 'heavy' presents which may need posting rather than taking to family.  Yet, we are being encouraged to shop early.  We're being told it's for our health to avoid busy shops nearer Christmas - shops exist to make a profit, not to assist our health!

I, for one, won't be shopping until we know what Christmas will be like and if there's still no visiting, I'll be shopping on line with stores which can deliver gifts direct.   I'll even be looking at ordering food to be sent direct to family for their Christmas meal if necessary.

ToxicWomble

You answered your own vent
Shops exist to make a profit

IvanOpinion

You adapt.  Personally we are planning on a voucher Christmas, easy to post or get delivered electronically - then we can tell each other what they got us for Christmas.  Food wise, it will be the first Christmas in almost 20 years that we will not be going out to eat and meet, normally we meet up at a local hotel and let them do all the cooking, serving, washing up and cleaning up while we all enjoy a relaxing Christmas day.  This year I will probably get enough in to cover ourselves and possible visitors - that is what freezers are for..

I always look forward to Christmas ... even this year.

Spank

A 16 year veteran and still advocating vouchers? why not bank transfers? no risk of expiry or the company going bust with money.

comeandgo

I would not buy vouchers this year, no business is immune to total closure.
I have seen the queues already at the shops, having to queue in blizzard conditions of winter, no thanks.  I will buy all from comfort of my home and have started with the presents and will probably get the larger items delivered directly to recipients.  

IvanOpinion

comeandgo said:

I would not buy vouchers this year, no business is immune to total closure.
I have seen the queues already at the shops, having to queue in blizzard conditions of winter, no thanks.  I will buy all from comfort of my home and have started with the presents and will probably get the larger items delivered directly to recipients.  

Maybe I should have said that my intention was Amazon vouchers - they are probably pretty safe.

coachman12

It's certainly a "winner" for M & S to rule that all clothes etc bought after 4 October ( as Xmas presents ) will be "returnable" until something like 11th January.  Often , if you try to purchase from M&S nearer Xmas, the stocks have gone, you can't get the sizes of clothing etc.  M&S is really good with this policy every Xmas and are to be congratulated.
As for Xmas shopping early online, I can only say that it would be a bit short-sighted not to remember what Covid could mean in the pre-Xmas period. If there is a lockdown, a great many people will be glad , at least this year, that they did all their online shopping in October/November while there are stocks and while postal services and couriers are functioning well.
I think most people will be shopping as early as October and may be glad they did so.

prettywowers

OP - Pessimistic much?
It's better to plan for a "normal-ish" Christmas than to wait for those allegedly in charge to decide what will happen.

Pollycat

Just because it doesn't suit the OP, it doesn't mean it doesn't suit everyone.

Personally, I've never bought heavy presents that may need posting.

I won't be waiting until 'there's no visiting' to order any gifts as I think that will be too late.

donnac2558

I bought all my gifts in the sales earlier this year.   They can keep to next if need be.

DCFC79

Not bought anything yet and if there is another lockdown or I can't get I'm after then so be it, I won't lose sleep over it.