The disgust of consumers.Christmas trees

obviously all about money HRISTMAS is four months away but department stores have already begun rolling out their Yuletide displays - to the disgust of consumers.Christmas trees, wreaths, tinsel and decorations have gone on sale at David Jones, 118 days ahead of the actual event.Rival retailer Myer is expected to roll out its Christmas merchandise early next month.

The Queensland Consumers Association said the extra-early marketing push was "obviously all about money"."It's a shame they're commercialising it so much and taking away the real meaning of Christmas," QCA state secretary Max Howard said."It detracts from the speciality of the occasion and robs children of their aspirations for Christmas."

A statement from David Jones said that the early arrival of Christmas merchandise was "in line with international retail trends".