Early Christmas market tempts Scrooges’ ire

Christmas is coming early for Brown Thomas as staff deck the halls a whole four months in advance.

Wed, 28 Aug, 2013 - 01:00

Kelly O'Brien

Brown Thomas branches in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick have been made festive-ready, with the stores’ Christmas markets officially opened to the public last weekend.

The chain opens the markets at this time every year and expects demand to be high. Stephen Sealey, managing director of the Brown Thomas Group, said the reason for the early opening is to satisfy customer demand.

“Many of the products are unique and different, and offer our customers — which include interior designers, hoteliers and those who are planning for the Christmas period now — the opportunity to purchase early,” said Mr Sealey. “Trust me, we wouldn’t open this early if business wasn’t there.”

The markets are stocked with Christmas trees, baubles, wreaths, decorations, ornaments, and a host of Christmas trim and trinkets. There is also a food element.

The opening received a mixed reaction on Twitter.

“Might as well get into the Christmas mood now, tis the season to be jolly after all,” said @bazkennedy.

“No interest to me ‘til November (if at all!) but if they can make a few euro and employ people, no objection. Not compulsory!,” said @BrianNolan1974.

“The only reason I’d have to go in so early is to snarl and complain. A Halloween store would even be too early!” said @Saharmali.

@irishexaminer No interest to me 'til November (if at all!) but if they can make a few euro and employ people, no objection. Not compulsory!
— Brian Nolan (@BrianNolan1974) August 27, 2013