Christmas comes early for John Lewis

CHRISTMAS shopping has started early, as John Lewis launched its festive shop to give people something to look forward to after months of lockdown.

The department store, which has made itself a fixture of the festive season thanks to its much anticipated annual advert, said a “pretty tough year” had left people looking ahead in the hope of happier times.

Searches for Christmasrelated goods on its website are 370 per cent higher than last year, while Waitrose said searches for Christmas pudding and mince pies are up by 75 per cent and 110 per cent respectively.

Social media users have posted in the past few days that they have already started Christmas shopping – either to cheer themselves up or to avoid any coronavirus-related hiccups closer to the big day.

However, other people claimed that selling Christmas goods before December “should be made a criminal offence”.

John Lewis released its online Christmas range at noon yesterday, the earliest it has ever done so.

Jason Billings-cray, a partner and festive buyer at the firm, said: “Christmas always provides a reason for celebration and a welcome break. Understandably it

‘It looks as if people are looking forward to and planning for it earlier than ever’

looks as if people are looking forward to and planning for it earlier than ever this year.”

He said it was not surprising to see people already thinking about decorating homes in a year when lockdown has meant spending more time in the house.

While the full range of Christmas products will be available online by the end of the week, they will not be available to purchase in store until Sept 25.