Customers have shared their confusion after spotting Easter eggs on supermarket shelves before New Year’s Eve, including at Morrisons, Tesco and Asda
Shoppers have been left scratching their heads in bewilderment as Easter treats showed up on supermarket aisles before the New Year’s bongs have chimed. Easter Sunday is not until April 20 next year, but social media is already awash with customers posting about finding chocolate eggs and seasonal baked goods prematurely stocked in shops such as Morrisons, Tesco and Asda.
One tweeter, @Jingle1991, captured an image of Malteser Bunnies nestled among the shelves in Sainsbury’s on Christmas Eve, humorously noting: “Jesus hasn’t even been born yet.”
Meanwhile, Gary Evans, from Margate, snapped a picture revealing Creme Eggs making an early appearance in his local Morrisons just a day after Christmas. “I just think it’s crazy that everything is so superficial and meaninglessly commercial… (there’s) something quite frantic about it,” the 66 year old said.
Joseph Robinson came across Easter goodies, including Cadbury Mini Eggs and specially-themed Kit-Kat and Kinder Surprise offerings at his neighbourhood Morrisons in Stoke-on-Trent on Friday evening. “It’s funny, as they’ve not even managed to shift the Christmas chocolates off the shelves yet and they’re already stocking for Easter,” said the 35-year-old admin support worker.
He slammed the relentless consumerist push of supermarkets, wishing they’d let customers and staff enjoy some downtime post-Christmas. And when asked if he succumbed to buying any of the Easter sweets, Mr Robinson said: “As a vegan it holds no appeal to me!”
Mike Chalmers, a committed Christian from Chippenham, Wiltshire, took a more lenient view upon seeing a display titled: “Celebrate this Easter with Cadbury.”
Mr Chalmers, 44, said: “Christmas and Easter are the two centrepoints of the Christian good news story, so it’s no bad thing to see the connections. It’s about more than shapes of chocolate, though!”
Marketing expert Andrew Wallis expressed his astonishment at finding Easter eggs on sale at the Co-op in Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, but also noted it shows “forward-thinking” by major companies. “It made me reflect on how big brands are always thinking ahead and planning early,” said the 54-year-old Isle of Man resident, who offers marketing advice to the fitness sector.
He advised retailers: “My message to retailers would be: while planning ahead is important, it’s also essential to be mindful of consumer sentiment. Some might feel it’s too early for seasonal products like this, but others might see it as a sign of forward-thinking. Striking the right balance is key to keeping customers happy.”
