Christmas sales in October slammed as '˜sad'

People have posted on social media that stores now stocking up with festive fare - before the clocks have even gone back - is ‘far too early.’

And they have slammed the early Yuletide product push as ‘way too commercial.’

One woman posted on Facebook: “Just back from M&S and they had the full display, I almost went in to a panic mode.”

Therese Willes said: “I don’t know how my parents managed. It’s taken all the spirit away of Christmas and has become very commercial. Sad isn’t it.”

Kris Massie added: “Far too early - what’s wrong with advertisers and people? There’s enough time at the end of November without being reminded months before.”

And Graeme Coward posted: “S.C.U.D. Save Christmas Until December!”

But some people are all in favour of an early start. Alex FitzPatrick said: “I understand why people feel it’s early, but some need to spread the cost over several months, rather than lay out one lump sum in December.”

And his advice for shops: “Maybe a gradual introduction, slowly building up their displays would be a more subtle approach.”