WE may have just celebrated the New Year – but shoppers have spotted that the high street is already stocked ready for the next season.
Bargain hunters have been left baffled at spotting that some retailers have already lined shelves with Easter and Valentine’s Day items.
Taking to the Facebook group Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK, one shopper wrote: “Valentine’s gifts are already being displayed in Home Bargains Bletchley.”
They showed an aisle in their local shop which was lined with red and pink products ahead of the romantic day.
Items being sold included candles priced from 99p, 79p gift bags and 99p balloons that spell out “love.”
There were also £5.99 dining sets if you are looking to cook a romantic meal, and £22.99 bedding to jazz up your bedroom.
Many people were shocked at the items already being sold over a month ahead of Valentine’s Day.
One person wrote: “If you ask me it’s way too early it’s only new years today. They could keep it till at least the end of January.”
A second agreed: “I am hiding until March lol.”
And that wasn’t all.
Some people shared how they had spotted Easter items, including chocolate, being sold in supermarkets.
One person wrote: “I saw Easter eggs in Morrisons on boxing day.”
Another added: “Easter eggs in Iceland and Asda today.”
And a third commented: “Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter in our local store.”
Matalan items
One shopper was amazed to find a whole section of Valentine’s items in their local Matalan.
They took to Facebook to share snaps of the cute items they found, and wrote: “Valentines hitting the shelves.”
Thankfully for those watching their budgets after Christmas spending, many of the items were just £5.
This included adorable £5 mugs with cherries and hearts on them.
How to save money on Valentine’s Day
ADELE Cooke, a senior consumer reporter at The Sun, explains how to save money on Valentine’s Day.
If you’re not careful Valentine’s Day can end up hitting your wallet.
I explain how to avoid the traps.
AVOID THE SET MENU
As February 14 falls on a Friday this year, consider going out for a meal on Saturday instead.
This is because many restaurants insist that you must order a set menu on Valentine’s Day, which can be very expensive.
Usually this is not the case on other days.
Some of the set menu items may also be on the regular dinner menu, so you can still order them without paying a premium.
LOVE IS…FINDING A DISCOUNT CODE
If you do want to go out for dinner on Valentine’s Day then look for restaurant deals on The Fork.
This website shows you all the restaurants with special offers and deals in your area.
If you’re eating in this year, you could save money with one of the dine-in-for-two options above.
Check the individual cost of each item in the deal to ensure you’re making the biggest saving.
Keep an eye out for discounts and vouchers in the run up to February 14.
Some companies run special promotions in the lead up to the big day.
Check websites such as Groupon, which offers special dining options or experiences.
DON’T OVERSPEND
It can be easy to fall into the trap of overspending when it comes to spoiling a loved one.
But if you do, you’ll be causing yourself long term financial pain.
I’m sure if you have a chat with your partner and explain what your budget is before February 14th then you can both be on the same page and you’ll avoid disappointing them.
