Calls to end early Christmas advertising

Shop4Pop, a UK-based retail print business, surveyed 10,000 people asking when festive advertising is deemed acceptable, with almost 40 percent stating just one month and a further 35 percent stating that two months is acceptable.

Perhaps worringly, seven percent of those surveyed, believe seasonal ads should begin in the middle of summer.

The survey comes after department store, Selfridges, opened its Christmas store a whole 145 days before the big day,

Data from the survey also showed a difference of opinions amongst generations, with the majority of 54-64-year-olds voting for two months notice. Meanwhile, almost all 18-24-year-olds surveyed voted for a four-week notice period.

Siobhan Scott, marketing executive with shop4pop.com, said: “Many consumers are pointing out that Christmas advertising in particular seems to start earlier every year,”

“Retailers seem to be kicking-off their festivities with tear-jerking television adverts to provoke an emotional response whilst leaving the more tactical sales advertisements until later in November.”