Woolworths, Coles: Aussie customers divided as ‘ridiculous’ items hit shelves four months out from Christmas
‘I thought Boxing Day hot cross buns was f....ed up enough.’
Christmas may still be four months away, but some Australian shoppers are already getting a taste of the festive season as treats start to hit supermarket shelves across the country.
Woolworths confirmed its first batch of Christmas products will officially land in all stores on Wednesday, but some locations and online have already put out their stock ready for customers to purchase.
“We know it might feel early to see Christmas treats hitting the shelves, but this is actually something we do every year,” a Woolworths spokesperson told The Nightly.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“A lot of our customers love getting a head start. Whether they’re trying to spread the cost of the holidays over a few months, locking in their favourite fruit cakes early, or just eager for a taste of festive flavours, there’s genuine interest from day one.”
Photos circulating online show shelves packed with Woolworths branded fruit minced pies, assorted puddings and Christmas tarts at one of the supermarket giant’s locations.
“This is not a joke. This is very real. Christmas treats at Woolies in August,” said Aussie food blogger Nectro Vlangos alongside a carousel of images on Facebook.
The post has reignited the annual debate about when is too early for seasonal treats to be available for purchase.
And the response from shoppers is divided, with some arguing August was too soon while others were happy to get into the Christmas spirit early.
“Before Halloween??? Wow,” one person wrote in the comment section.
Another added: “Well of course it’s ridiculous to have Christmas foods in stores four months before Christmas. But I have to admit I can’t WAIT for David Jones to bring out their Christmas stock.”
Others argued the early arrival allowed people on a budget to gradually purchase their Christmas stock instead taking one big hit to their wallet in December.
“Well if you start now and have somewhere to store them you could slowly stock up on snacks and treats for Christmas,” one person said.
“I saw in stores in Hobart last week. Great for those that are on tight budgets and can add an item to their shop every other week,” another added.
A third said: ”Why is everyone mad? It’s EXCITING!!!!”
Woolworths isn’t the only retailer to roll out the Christmas goodies. Rival grocery store Coles also started selling fruit mince pies and puddings online and in-store in July to embrace the mid-year festivities.
“Christmas is such a special time of year, and we know plenty of Aussies love getting into the festive spirit well before December. That’s why we started bringing some of our first Christmas favourites into stores last month for Christmas in July, a Coles spokesperson told The Nightly.
“Customers have been loving our festive treats and today we’ve added 10 new Christmas puddings to the range, giving customers even more to choose from.
“Spreading the range out over a few months also gives customers more time to plan, pick up their favourites and spread the cost of Christmas in a way that works for them.”
Last week, Aussie foodie Russ Stewart took to social media top hop on the bandwagon and air his displeasure after seeing fruit mince pies lining the shelves at Coles.
“Alright, I have f..ing seen it all. We’ve got fruit mince pies in August,” he told his 68,000 Instagram followers.
“Christmas in August. I thought Boxing Day hot cross buns was f..ed up enough.”
The Nightly has contacted Coles for comment.
