B&M launches festive chocolate boxes including Reese's treats
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
B&M shoppers were flabbergasted to find Christmas selection boxes on the shelves.
We're still over two months away from Halloween, yet the festive chocolate treats are already being stocked.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
6
Shoppers were conflicted over the presence of Christmas selection boxes in August
Credit: Facebook / Dansway Gifts and Bargains UK
6
B&M are already stocking seasonal Reese's peanut butter treats
Credit: Facebook / Dansway Gifts and Bargains UK
6
Some customers admitted they'd still eat the chocolate goodies now
Credit: Facebook / Dansway Gifts and Bargains UK
Fans of the budget retailer have expressed conflicted opinions, with some arguing it's too soon, while others admitted they'd still "scoff them".
A picture of the seasonal goodies was shared in the Dansway Gifts and Bargains UK Facebook Group.
"Festive Chocolate Selection Boxes are BACK at B&M," one shopper wrote.
"A few we found whilst in store today, there's lots of other Christmas chocolate to choose from!"
But one disappointed customer penned: "We've not even finished summer yet or had Halloween.
"I swear Christmas gets earlier and earlier every year, makes you wonder how long these chocolates sit there before we buy and save for Christmas."
Another added: "Too soon for Christmas but I'd still scoff them."
The post is still garnering shares and likes, with many tagging their pals in the comments.
While it may feel premature to start stocking up on Christmas treats, bargain hunters often bag better deals in the off-season.
In fact, one expert has shared why now is the ideal time to buy your festive decorations, and where to buy them.
FDA issues urgent recall of 'shaped' chocolate sold across US and on online over 'deadly' ingredient
The selection boxes advertised in B&M include classics such as Cadbury, Nestle, Galaxy and Reese's peanut butter snacks.
This comes as shoppers have also been complaining about Halloween decorations being pushed by major stores across the UK.
Clothing and homeware brand Matalan is already giving people a taste of Autumn with its Halloween-themed products.
One person complained: "Does someone want to tell Matalan its July. Don't get me wrong my fave time of year is Autumn but we're not there yet.
"I've got to get through the hot months before I can look forward to hot chocs and blankets!"
6
Cadbury selection boxes are on the shelves
Credit: Facebook / Dansway Gifts and Bargains UK
6
Shoppers could nab Smarties and Milkybar goodies
Credit: Facebook / Dansway Gifts and Bargains UK
6
The Nestle box includes KitKats and Lions
Credit: Facebook / Dansway Gifts and Bargains UK
Another one added: "Crazy.. let's have summer first!!"
A third commented: "Getting too much with shops they always seem to be pushing things that are months away instead of enjoying the season we're in."
One fan said: "Definitely not ready for this yet."
Elsewhere, shelves at TK Maxx have been stocked with Halloween tea towels, cushions, blankets and plush toys from four months before the spooky holiday.
How to save money on chocolate
We all love a bit of chocolate from now and then, but you don't have to break the bank buying your favourite bar.
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how to cut costs...
Go own brand - if you're not too fussed about flavour and just want to supplant your chocolate cravings, you'll save by going for the supermarket's own brand bars.
Shop around - if you've spotted your favourite variety at the supermarket, make sure you check if it's cheaper elsewhere.
Websites like Trolley.co.uk let you compare prices on products across all the major chains to see if you're getting the best deal.
Look out for yellow stickers - supermarket staff put yellow, and sometimes orange and red, stickers on to products to show they've been reduced.
They usually do this if the product is coming to the end of its best-before date or the packaging is slightly damaged.
Buy bigger bars - most of the time, but not always, chocolate is cheaper per 100g the larger the bar.
So if you've got the appetite, and you were going to buy a hefty amount of chocolate anyway, you might as well go bigger.
One shopper shared pictures of Halloween items on the shelves in the retailer's Doncaster store, saying: "It's starting."
Others chimed in to say they'd also seen Halloween products in the stores in Preston and Oldham.
One person commented: "No no NO ….. let's have summer first before we start seeing autumn things ….. jeeeez way too early !!"
Another said: "Wooow really getting earlier and earlier every year huh!! will start seeing xmas stuff next week no doubt."
A third person said: "Its June!!!! this is far too early."
Some experts have said the growth of online shopping has meant traditional retailers are trying to extend the holiday season to compete.
It's also because they have boosted profits during holiday seasons as shoppers spend more.
Shops have been putting out their holiday stocks even earlier in recent years.
Some experts have said the growth of online shopping has meant traditional retailers are trying to extend the holiday season to compete.
It's also because they have boosted profits during holiday seasons as shoppers spend more.
Charlotte Harrington, the manager at Summerhill's Garden Centre in Basildon, Essex, previously told The Sun that they open their Christmas department on the August bank holiday.
"The stock comes in early and we gradually start putting it out on the shop floor. This is just a small fraction of what we have," she said.
"But our Christmas displays are so spectacular it takes time to get everything set up, so we have to start early."
Last year shoppers complained when B&M launched its Christmas range in the middle of August.
They also reacted when Morrisons, Tesco and B&M put Easter chocolates out on their shelves hours after Christmas Day.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
42 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Discounted retailer launches up to 50% off sale as three Scots stores to shut
The high street firm is set to close a total of 26 stores as part of restructuring plans. A major UK retailer has been spotted launching closing down sales with up to 50 percent off. It comes as the firm has announced more closures. The Original Factory Shop is in the midst of restructuring plans that will see it close down a total of 26 stores, with even more now being announced to close in the coming weeks. As part of the move, the discounted firm has already closed 17 stores across the country, with four being based in Scotland alone. Closures across Scotland include Perth, Arbroath and Peterhead on June 28, while the Cupar store was shuttered on July 27. Blairgowrie, Kinross and Nairn are also on the list, although dates have not been confirmed. Two more stores in England have now been added to the list of ongoing closures, with sales at the affected stores offering half-price off absolutely everything in a bid to clear stock. As reported by the Sun, among the new wave of closures will be the Chard store, with a Facebook post announcing that it would permanently cease trading on September 7. The post told customers: 'We are sorry to let you know… This store is closing. Thank you to our wonderful colleagues for your support throughout our time here in the local community.' Ahead of its closing date, the store has announced that it is offering a massive clearance sale with up to 50 percent off all stock. The high street chain offers a variety of ranges in store including fashion, homeware, toys and beauty, with products from its own labels and big name brands such as Bold, Nike, L'Oréal Paris and more. The full post read: "We'll soon be closing the store and would like to take this time to thank all of our customers at Chard store. We have loved serving you and being part of the local community. "Our last trading day is Sunday 7th September. We hope you will pop in to see us before we close. All stock is reduced - up to 50% off original price." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. A further two stores also made similar posts confirming closures, with the Whitchurch, Shropshire and Mexborough, South Yorkshire being earmarked for closure, although the date has not been confirmed for both. The Original Factory Shop has been a high street staple since it first opened in 1969. It was recently sold to Modella Capital, the firm that bought over WHSmith and Hobbycraft, in February 2025. To help renegotiate rents at 88 stores, the private equity firm drafted up restructuring plans before drawing up plans to initiate a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) for the retailer in April. A CVA is often used by companies to prevent insolvency, which could otherwise force stores to close or trigger the collapse of the entire business. Full list of The Original Factory Shop closure announcements so far Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire - June 26 Perth, Scotland - June 28 Chester Le Street, County Durham - June 28 Arbroath, Angus - June 28 Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire - June 28 Pershore, Worcestershire - June 28 Normanton, West Yorkshire - June 28 Peterhead, Aberdeenshire - June 28 Shaftesbury, Dorset - June 28 Staveley, Cumbria - July 12 Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire - July 20 Caernarfon, Wales - July 20 Ashbourne, Derbyshire Dales - July 20 Matlock, Derbyshire - July 26 Cupar, Fife - July 27 Kirkham, Lancashire - August Caldicot, Wales - August 7 Chard, Somerset - September 7 Market Drayton, Shropshire - September 20 Middlewich, Cheshire - TBC Blairgowrie, Scotland - TBC Heswall, Merseyside - TBC Kinross, Scotland - TBC Nairn, Scotland - TBC Mexborough, South Yorkshire - TBC Whitchurch, Shropshire - TBC
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Five things every woman should do NOW to save hundreds – including expert's Christmas hack
Read on for five easy ways to take control of your finances... CASH FLOW Five things every woman should do NOW to save hundreds – including expert's Christmas hack Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE schools are back, holidays are behind us and many are feeling the pinch after spending a little more than planned. But don't panic — now's the perfect moment to weatherproof your finances. 3 Getting on top of your finances is key 3 Tynah Matembe runs the free money sessions Money expert Tynah Matembe is the brains behind the free Girl Money Geeks Masterclass series. It aims to give women top tips to help them unravel their money worries and get the most out of their budget. She says: 'Financial advice is everywhere. What's missing is empathy and community. 'We're building a space where women grow and learn together — not from someone speaking down from a pedestal.' Today she's shared her top five 'hacks' every woman should do right now to take control of their money. CHRISTMAS IS COMING With the last quarter of the year upon us, festive decorations will soon fill the shelves. The cost of Christmas can be a strain, but planning ahead can ease the pressure. With only four pay packets left before the big day, now is the time to set a budget and spread costs over the next few months. 3 Don't be left in the red after Christmas - act now Remember, borrowing should be for assets, not liabilities. It's easy to rely on credit cards and 'worry later,' but that can lead to a painful January. Avoid spending to impress people you don't even like - it's not worth it. A little forethought now means you can enjoy the season without the financial hangover, starting the new year on a positive note. I'm a money expert, here's six things to do now to set up for financial success in 2025 SHIELD YOUR SAVINGS Don't let the Chancellor rain on your parade - fortify your finances now. Think of it as weatherproofing your cash: stash, save, and safeguard before new taxes or price hikes hit. Take advantage of tax-free savings - if you haven't used your ISA allowance this year, now is the time. Competitive rates are still available: Trading 212 ISA offers 4.46 per cent interest, while Virgin Money provides 4.16 per cent for a one-year fixed-rate e-bond and 6.50 per cent for their regular saver exclusive. With further interest rate cuts expected this autumn, consider fixed savings accounts and bonds over instant- access accounts. Use tools like Moneybox or to compare the best deals - but don't wait. Act now to protect and grow your cash. RAINY DAY STASH Blown your emergency fund on a summer getaway? You're not alone - but now's the time to refill it. Aim for a few months' worth of bills in a separate, untouchable account to protect yourself when life throws a financial curveball. To find the cash, think creatively: sell or swap items you no longer need. Platforms like Vinted make it easy to declutter and earn. Brands like Levi's and Nike sell for good money. You can also use eBay to sell electronics, books, or collectables for extra cash. Whether you're boosting your emergency fund or refreshing your wardrobe, it's a smart, sustainable way to strengthen your finances. INVEST IN YOURSELF While the cost-of-living climbs, one thing rises even faster: the value of your skills. 'Skills inflation' often outpaces wage growth, meaning the more you can do - and the better you do it - the more you can earn or protect your job. Take a short course, master new software, sharpen your public speaking or finally tackle that qualification you've been putting off. Even a free webinar or a local networking event can open doors. Employers want people who keep learning. Clients choose the expert who's one step ahead. In today's job market, staying still means falling behind - so get moving. DITCH YOUR DEBT If you want to keep your cash, and your sanity, you've got to tackle debt like a boss. First up, lock down your life with the basics - home insurance, life cover, health protection - so you're not left stranded if things go sideways. Then, get ruthless with your debts, especially those nasty credit card balances charging sky-high interest. Grab a pen, write down every single debt and attack the worst offenders first. If you can, bundle them together with a consolidation loan to slash those crazy interest rates. Dumping debt means more cash in your pocket and less stress - giving you a clear runway to start building real wealth. INHERITANCE NEEDN'T BE TAXING EXPERT Tynah is hosting a masterclass on inheritance tax this month. With Chancellor Rachel Reeves reportedly weighing up tougher measures to help fill a £50 billion gap in public finances - including a potential lifetime cap on gifts - now is the time to understand how to protect your home and legally minimise inheritance tax. The free online session on August 28 will feature Angela Racon, one of the UK's leading experts in this field, from Scotland's renowned firm Aira Legal. Together the money gurus explain the basics and provide hacks to legally avoid paying tax and 'give while living'. Tynah said: 'Think inheritance tax and trusts are only for the wealthy or elderly? Think again. If you own your home - or hope to - this masterclass is for you. It could save you thousands of pounds.' Reserve your free place at HARD-WORKING CASH Want your money to stay in tip-top shape? Don't blow it all on day-to-day stuff. At MoneyMatiX, we swear by the 70:10:10:10 rule: spend no more than 70 per cent of your cash, stash away at least 10 per cent for savings, pump another 10 per cent into investments to grow your wealth, and don't forget to have fun or give back with the last 10 per cent. Follow this and watch your money game go from zero to hero. Meanwhile, several UK banks are offering an upfront cash bonus of up to £200 just for moving your account. By doing this now, you could have a cash injection in your account before the summer is over.
Reuters
an hour ago
- Reuters
Fewer fake firs, higher prices: China tariff delay does little to save the holidays
NEW YORK/SHANGHAI, Aug 18 (Reuters) - U.S. shoppers looking for fake Christmas trees and holiday decor this year will have fewer choices and face higher prices as tariffs on Chinese imports force retailers to scale back orders as they assess how tight customer budgets are. A 90-day extension to a tariff reprieve - agreed to by Washington and Beijing on August 11 - will allow retailers to rush in some last-minute shipments, but most holiday purchases are already done. Retailers typically import seasonal goods in advance because many products need six-month lead times. "We're going to have a lower supply year," said Chris Butler, CEO of National Tree Company, a New Jersey-based artificial tree importer supplying Walmart (WMT.N), opens new tab, Home Depot (HD.N), opens new tab, Lowe's (LOW.N), opens new tab and Amazon (AMZN.O), opens new tab. The company, which sources roughly half its trees from China and the rest from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, will hike prices by 10% to 20% on its Carolina pine, Nordic spruce, and Dunhill fir trees, Butler said. China is the biggest exporter of Christmas decorations to the U.S., accounting for 87% of such imports last year, worth roughly $4 billion, according to United States International Trade Commission data. "We're not overbuying (from our suppliers) because we're not sure about consumer demand and don't want expensive inventory on our books," Butler said. Big retailers are more keen than usual to have National Tree ship directly to consumers rather than buying them as inventory, reducing the stores' risk on their balance sheets. Butler's rival, Mac Harman, CEO of California-based Balsam Hill, expects about 15% fewer trees in the market this season. "Even with the extended 90 days, it's too late for any of us to add orders," he said. Retailers started cutting orders after U.S. President Donald Trump flip-flopped on China tariffs - raising them to 145% in April, then cutting them to 30% a month later - because they are unwilling to buy trees at elevated prices, said Harman. He sources trees from around 80 suppliers, half of which are in China. Still, the latest pause has netted Balsam Hill some $2.5 million in savings, he said. A Walmart spokesperson said the company was confident in its inventory position heading into the holiday. Home Depot and Amazon declined to comment, while Lowe's did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. The reduced demand for fake trees, a key Christmas purchase, signals a muted shopping season. Higher prices on essentials like diapers and dish soap have already strained budgets. Denim maker Levi Strauss (LEVI.N), opens new tab said last month it will offer a leaner holiday selection. Isaac Larian, CEO of MGA Entertainment that makes Bratz dolls, said a 30% tariff on toys "is still too much." The company has raised prices, he said. Only goods shipped by air would benefit from the delay in higher tariffs, said Chris Rogers, head of supply chain research, S&P Global Market Intelligence. Companies including Apple (AAPL.O), opens new tab that have upcoming product launches will gain from the certainty that there will be a 30% tariff, he said. Some suppliers, shippers, and retailers, however, started rushing extra orders after the moratorium was announced, industry sources said. While most footwear makers simplified holiday orders due to tariff uncertainty, a few are placing new orders to add variety to their inventory, said Matt Priest, CEO of industry group Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA). It may not be simple to ramp up orders, though. Imports face manufacturing bottlenecks as brands that diversified to other countries after initial tariffs now face delays before new manufacturers can scale up, said Dave Tu, president of DCL Logistics, which imports for clients like GoPro(GPRO.O), opens new tab. By and large, this tariff extension changes little for holiday imports. For most companies, said FDRA's Priest, holiday inventory "is what it is."
