Decorations for Christmas up in November is new norm for businesses
You probably noticed that holiday decorations have started to pop up, as soon as the clock struck midnight on Halloween.
Retailers say it’s how big box stores and local stores on the Central Coast are trying to keep up with the competition, riding out the holiday cheer through the end of December.
“We have beautiful furniture, hardwood furniture, we have unusual gifts, things you don’t see everywhere,” said Scarlett Rogers, an employee at Taft & Teak in Pacific Grove.
Taft & Teak took two years to get it right.
“(The owner) wanted to allow the holidays to progress, which I really liked. She wanted Halloween and then Thanksgiving and so forth but it made us late for Christmas.”
Call Pacific Grove whatever you like but just don’t call it late for Christmas either. It has the wreaths and lights to prove it.
“The holidays are a busy time for my business,” said Jennifer Price, who owns a plantscaping business in PG. “I do a lot of decorating for clients for business and residential.”
“I just accept it, I used to not like it but it’s good business for me so I just go with the flow,” Price said, referring getting calls two months in advance of Christmas.
Not only are mom & pop shops dealing with big box stores during the holidays, some like Taft & Teak tailor to tourists as well.
“People are coming at different times that are convenient for them but they won’t necessarily be back at Christmas so having Christmas ready is important in that way,” Rogers said.
Nowadays if you’re early it just means you’re on time for the holidays.
On Saturday, PG will host a downtown holiday open house. The shopping spree will last all day.
