On the afternoon of September 3, I needed some hardware items for projects at our house. Even though a Home Depot store is closer to our home, I opted to drive into Richmond to shop at Lowes.
Having grown up in Burlington, North Carolina, I admire how Lowes evolved into a retail giant from a small hardware store in North Wilkesboro.
Hardware stores from my youth had a unique character. From hardwood floors, ceiling fans, and inventories with unique items, the hardware store was often the heartbeat of a community.
In those days, I believe hardware store managers were wiser regarding traditional seasonal shifts. They did not rush the cycle of seasonal holidays upon their customers.
As I worked my way around the Lowes in Richmond, at one point, I stopped and stared in disbelief at a display of artificial Christmas trees. There must have been ten of them, standing at attention with their lights sparkling.
I thought to myself this is nuts. Its 96 degrees outside. Lowes is already pushing Christmas. Just a few yards down on the same floor, Halloween products were displayed. On September 3, it was 58 days until Halloween and 112 days until Christmas.
Lowes, I know you aren’t the only retailer in America to rush Christmas. But as a longtime supporter of Lowes, I respectfully request that Christmas products don’t appear in your stores until November 1.
This is a reasonable request, and one I believe the hearts of your founders would support.
might be baloney 
Ohhhh… that’s a tall order! 🙂 In the Philippines where I live, we are just like Lowe’s …. getting ready for Christmas and … halloween at the same time! Once October hits, it’s yuletide and halloween at the same time! Christmas tunes are playing everywhere and the ghosts don’t stand a chance! 🙂
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I know, good luck with your seasonal transition.
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Ed was just telling me the same thing. He said they skipped right over Thanksgiving!
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