Why do shops do this??

[hornbag]

Why do shops insist on getting rid of so much of their usual stock to make room for Xmas stuff? .
Do people not lead normal lives at this time of year/need the things they need for the other 11 months of the year/have birthdays etc.?
I've just been to 4 card shops trying to find a card for a work colleague who is seriously ill -wanted a blank inside card so I could write something meaningful myself ( Get Well Soon type not really suitable) but of course everywhere full of Xmas cards for every imaginable relation or situation.The few blank ones I found were so naff.
Seems everything goes on hold for Xmas.....oh for some normality

It's really irritating. Took me ages to find a birthday card and wrapping paper in WHSmiths yesterday. FFS as many people have birthdays in December as every other month!

I was in Clintons recently and they had a lot of nice blank ones.

I send a 'special friend' card to a seriously ill friend for whom a get well card would be in appropriate, could you do that?

The thing is we're not close enough for a "special friend" card but worked together for some time and got on in work capacity -I did eventually find a blank one but it took a lot of searching.
Edam-agree, and feel sorry for poor sods who have birthdays in Dec

Agree my birthday is in december and I get some really naff cards unless family friends are organised enough to get them by mid november - drives me insane!!

If you ask really nicely they have the normal stock through the back, I know it is a pain (lots of Dec birthdays) but I certainly would be happy to go and get a selection.

it wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for the fact that the shops are stuffed full of christmas stuff by the end of october!

agree it's ridiculous... we have 3 family birthdays in december and it's a nightmare trying to find stuff

Hornbag...what sort of card are you looking for???
The Mumsnet card makers have a huge selection to chose from and can make any card for you

You could always visit the MN Card Gallery !
And for some one who hs a Birthday on Xmas Eve I know what you mean !!!

LOL!!!!!

The Mumsnet Card Gallery
User name mumsnetter Pass word netters

LOL

really drives me mad too - my Mum's birthday is Xmas Eve and my MIL is New Years day - a real buggre to buy cards for. Also foind that Tesco have decided that from now on until Christams I guess people don't want their usual choice of everyday food and we all want to buy Finest shortbread or something instead of a tin of beans.... Grrrr

In my shop the relations birthday cards remain unchanged but the general bithday cards are reduced and then all taken off in the first week of Dec.

Yeah Tommy, there was no milk or bread rolls or tinned tomatoes (!) in Asda today, just loads of QUality Street on special offer. Grrr.