Christmas comes early for the city

Published on Friday 17 October 2008 10:33

THEY say Christmas gets earlier every year.

But at least one George Street business has decided it still isn't early enough – and have put up their decorations ten weeks before the big day.

Only halfway through October, The Dome bar and restaurant has lavishly decorated its six-pillar street frontage, displaying for all to see a top-of-the-range festive feature of greenery, glistening with tasteful decorations.

Colin Wilkinson, secretary of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said: "It does surprise us to see these decorations go up so early but, to be honest, this is the best sort of advertising The Dome could do. In these economic times, businesses need to promote whatever they can."

The Dome is renowned for putting up its elaborate Christmas decorations every year ahead of its neighbours, but staff admitted 2008's display comes even earlier than usual.

Management at rival dining spots All Bar One and The Standing Order, both further down the road, are not planning to dust off their festive decorations until the beginning of December.

George Street is not the only area of the city where an early but glaringly bright twinkle of Christmas can already be seen.

Even though Hallowe'en – the next major retail landmark of the year – has not yet passed, shop workers are packing shelves with yuletide treats in a bid to accelerate winter profits.

Marks & Spencer has devoted its Princes Street window display to the celebration, while Boots has begun its famous three-for-two Christmas offers.

Card shops are also in on the act, proudly displaying Christmas stock, including 2009 calendars, for all to see.

But in such times of economic uncertainty, it may come as no surprise that retailers are eager to cash in as early as possible on the annual celebration, aware that many shoppers may need to spread their bills more evenly this year.

Fiona Moriarty, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: "Christmas is the most important time for all retailers – food and non-food.

"I expect this year to be no different in that respect, with the main push for businesses beginning in mid-November."

The council has revealed it will switch on its George Street Christmas lights on November 27.

There was no-one from The Dome available for comment.