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When is too early for Christmas in UK Supermarkets?

Connor Banks
Sep 11, 2024
2 min read

There I was, on a crisp summer’s morning on the first weekend in September. Going about my usual day of food shopping at our local supermarket when I noticed something peculiar. As the temperature caused me to sweat with a nice cool 20C, a strange sight lay before me. “It’s Christmas Time!” the newly opened section of the supermarket proclaimed. Filled to the brim with perishable Christmas foods and Christmas themed gifts. Bemused by the sight, I pulled out my phone, wondering if between the freezer sections I had time travelled to the middle of November when these sections are usually up and everywhere. Only to see that the date read “4th September”. Confused, I wondered, why are the Christmas items and sections out for sale in early September? Surely most people would think this is too early to start getting into the Christmas spirit and filling yourself full of mince pies. After all, if you bought them now they’d pass their best before or use by dates before Christmas was even upon us. So my question is, when is too early for Christmas for these supermarkets?

Every year since I can remember it’s felt like supermarkets are opening their Christmas sections earlier and earlier. It used to be reserved for December and maybe November, but now you’d have a harder time finding a supermarket without a Christmas section in the summer. What is it that is driving this? Well for starters about 30% of Brits reportedly start their christmas shopping in September so maybe these sections are to cater to this sizable portion of the public that are in need of things like wrapping paper, gift bags, and christmas cards so that they can get things ready as they go throughout the months towards the big day.

But whilst this answers the question about gift wrapping and gift bags etc it then raises the question of, why do they need baked goods like mince pies that will go off before December even arrives? Well apparently, once again, another sizable portion of the population do. By the time November comes around a reported 5.5 million mince pies were sold. So despite them being a very seasonal item that people tend to enjoy in the days leading up to winter, a good portion of our nation loves this British sweet treat so much that they’ll have it as soon as they hit shelves in early September.

So I guess the lesson from this is that there apparently isn't a too early. The supermarkets make money off it otherwise they wouldn’t do it which means plenty of people are buying these goods all across the UK. Even if most of us wouldn't want to be reminded of the fact that the summer is coming to an end and with it comes the cold and ice of winter and of course the rapid commercialisation of our longest traditions.

From Seaside to Studio: Is the UK Entering a New Golden Age of Holidays?

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17 April 2025

Paul Francis

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With Universal Studios bringing blockbuster magic to Bedfordshire, Britain’s holiday landscape may be on the brink of a transformation. But what does this mean for our beloved seaside resorts - and what’s next for the Great British getaway?

Blackpool Tower silhouette against an orange sunset over the sea, with a pier and Ferris wheel in the background, creating a serene, warm mood.

A Hollywood Blockbuster Comes to Bedfordshire

There’s a palpable buzz in the air. Universal Studios - famed for its cinematic experiences in Florida, Hollywood, and Japan - is set to open its first-ever theme park in the UK. Landing in Bedfordshire, just an hour north of London, the project will be a game-changer not just for thrill-seekers, but for Britain’s entire domestic tourism economy.

Scheduled to open in 2031, the £multi-billion development promises immersive worlds based on James Bond, Paddington Bear, and possibly Middle-earth itself. While Harry Potter is off the table due to Warner Bros. exclusivity in nearby Leavesden, the resort will feature state-of-the-art attractions, a 500-room hotel, retail and dining districts, and a dedicated train station to ease the expected footfall.

With over 476 acres of space, it’s poised to become the largest theme park in Europe, creating more than 28,000 jobs and injecting an estimated £50 billion into the UK economy by 2055.

This isn’t just another amusement park - it’s the start of a shift in the UK’s holiday culture.

The Staycation Renaissance: A Market in Motion

Brits have always had a love-hate relationship with the staycation. But recent years, fuelled by climate anxiety, Brexit, the pandemic hangover, and now the cost-of-living crisis, have rekindled a nostalgic affection for home-grown holidays. According to ABTA, more than half of UK holidaymakers are opting for domestic trips, citing environmental concerns, affordability, and convenience.

In fact, UK holidaymakers are booking earlier than ever, with a 76% rise in early bookings for 2024. “Slowcations” are also booming - longer, more mindful breaks in places like Cornwall, Norfolk, and the Lake District. Many are even bypassing the peak summer rush and heading away in spring and autumn to find better value and quieter shores.

Seaside Resorts: Old Charm, New Challenges

As Universal’s cranes prepare to rise in Bedfordshire, the UK’s traditional holiday resorts face a fork in the road.

Brighton & Hove continues to thrive, topping Airbnb’s 2024 list for the most desirable UK staycation destinations. It’s a city that has mastered the art of reinvention - equal parts bohemian, beachy, and boutique.

Blackpool, despite years of economic struggle, still pulls in over 20 million annual visitors and contributes £1.7 billion to the local economy. With its piers, tower, and unapologetically retro charm, it holds a special place in the national psyche.

Yet not all resorts are riding the wave. Torquay, once the "Queen of the English Riviera", has struggled with declining footfall, tired infrastructure, and a high number of empty retail units. Others like Rhyl, Skegness, and Morecambe are engaged in long-term regeneration battles, hoping to reawaken their mid-century glory days.

A Tale of Two Futures?

The arrival of Universal Studios may signal a shift from nostalgia-fuelled, heritage-led tourism to blockbuster-based holidaymaking. But does this mean our seaside towns will fade into obscurity?

Not necessarily.

Instead, the smart money may lie in blending nostalgia with innovation. Towns that embrace sustainable tourism, cultural rejuvenation, and experiential travel are finding a new audience. Folkestone, for instance, is enjoying a quiet renaissance thanks to investment in its creative arts scene and the restoration of its grand hotels.

Meanwhile, holidaymakers are increasingly mixing experiences - choosing a week in the countryside or coast followed by a short break at a theme park or city destination. The UK may be small, but it’s never been more varied in what it offers.

What It All Means for the Great British Holiday

The launch of Universal Studios in the UK isn’t a threat to our seaside heritage - it’s a catalyst. This is a reminder that domestic holidays can be aspirational, high-quality, and world-class.

But if Britain is entering a new golden age of holidays, it must be inclusive. That means investment not only in blockbuster destinations like Bedfordshire, but in places like Scarborough, Margate, and Weston-super-Mare. It means creating transport links that connect cities to coasts and supporting independent businesses that give these towns their soul.

Universal may bring the stars - but the heart of the Great British Holiday still beats by the sea.

Sidebar: Top 5 UK Staycation Trends to Watch

Theme Park Tourism – Expect a boom in travel tied to Universal Studios, Legoland, and Warner Bros Studio Tour.
Slowcations & Wellness – Mindful travel to peaceful destinations like the Lake District or Norfolk Broads.
Heritage Seaside Revival – Towns investing in regeneration, arts, and culture to attract new demographics.
Eco-Conscious Travel – Low-carbon holidays, rail-based travel, and locally sourced stays.
Activity Holidays – Sportcations, paddleboarding weekends, and cycling-friendly routes are on the rise.