It might only be one day into the New Year but supermarkets are preparing for the next big money-making holiday with EASTER EGGS already on the shelves.
Shoppers were stunned to see the chocolate treats already on sale in Sainsbury’s.
One store in Longbridge, Birmingham, had a selection of dairy free eggs in its ‘free from’ section – despite Easter being almost four months away.
The shelves were stocked by a range of treats including a £2.50 celtic caramel egg and a ‘moo free easter egg’ at a more expensive £4.
Shoppers have blasted the supermarket giant for taking advantage of religious holidays and only being interested in their profits.
Mum-of-three Holly Walker, 39, said: “We just popped for a few bits and bobs with the family coming over later and I was stunned when my kids started asking for an egg.
“I told them not to be silly, Easter is ages away but then saw them pointing at the shelves.
“It is hard enough to get children to eat healthily as it is without supermarkets putting it in their faces all year round.”
Bank worker Joe Baker, 26, added: “Christmas has only just finished and they have already got all the Easter promotions out all over the shops.
“These holidays aren’t about religion anymore, they are just about making as much money as possible for these supermarkets.
“They make the whole year a holiday of some sort and don’t care as long as their pockets are lined.”
Another shopper added: “What will it be next? It won’t be long before their are fancy dress costumes for Halloween back in the stores.
“It is ridiculous. I still have turkey leftover and pigs in blankets, I don’t really want to be filling my face with chocolate eggs at the start of January.
“I imagine this kind of aggressive marketing will play havoc with people trying to start a new year diet.”
Easter treats have also been seen on sale in Tesco stores across the country including bunnies, rabbits and eggs.
One store in Milton Keynes had half an isle dedicated to the chocolates whilst Cadbury’s popular Creme Eggs and Mini Eggs are on sale in a host of shops.
A spokesman for Tesco said: “In response to demand from customers who like to buy them early, we are offering a limited range of Easter chocolates in selected stores.
“Our full range does not go into our stores until later in January.”
* Easter falls at the end of March this year with Good Friday on March 25, Easter Sunday on March 27 and Easter Monday on March 28.
