UK Christmas shops gear up early

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The summer holidays are barely half way through, but London department stores, Selfridge's and Harrods, opened their Christmas shops on Thursday to cash in on the tourism market.

It may be the height of summer but one London store is ready for winter.

Selfridges opened its Christmas shop on Thursday (July 28), five months before the big day and earlier than ever before.

The store said previous sales had shown that some customers, especially overseas visitors, were keen to buy Christmas decorations and souvenirs as early as July.

Geraldine James, Buying Manager, Selfridges Chiristmas Shop, saaid, "We anticipate a lot of overseas visitors which we always get in central London at this time of the year, we forecast an increase in sales because the footfall of our overseas customers seems to be up."

But not everyone agrees. Outside on Oxford Street the mood was less upbeat. A number of British retailers have closed recently, as consumers hit by inflation and government spending cuts reign in their spending. Some local shoppers believe it's a ridiculous idea to buy Christmas decorations so early.

Connie & Lorraine, London Residents, said, "I think it's a bit over the top. The whole thing about Christmas is you have that countdown, close lead up to it and this is just like ridiculous".

Selfridges isn't the only store in London to put its Christmas goodies on sale in July. Harrods also opened its Christmas shop on Thursday. Both are top destinations for foreign visitors, but it seems they may be the only ones willing to spend on festive trinkets this early in the year.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei |Source: CNTV.CN



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