Norwegians want a ban on holiday retail sales as stores stock Christmas beverages and marzipan in early October, with 42 percent backing the restriction.
Supermarkets Stock Christmas Goods While Summer Clothes Remain in Closets
Major retailers including Extra in Kabelvåg, Nille and Kiwi in Jørpeland, and Coop on Ulefoss began stocking holiday treats and decorations in early October, weeks before Halloween and while autumn storms batter house walls. Shoppers browsing the shelves have met the displays with mixed reactions, ranging from amusement to frustration.
At a Rema 1000 location in Skien, merchant Lars Norrman noted that despite some customer skepticism, People have actually been waiting for Christmas soda this year,
meaning people have actually been waiting for the traditional Christmas soft drink this season.
Meanwhile, shoppers like Brit Flatemo and Tor Fredriksen outside a department store in Lillehammer expressed disbelief at the October holiday sales, with Flatemo calling it far too early and Fredriksen labeling it entirely crazy.
On Jørpeland, shopper Emilie Frantzen observed the early arrival of seasonal goods alongside local youth who noted that the displays had effectively beaten Halloween to the store shelves.
Rainer Solheim at Extra in Kabelvåg confirmed that holiday marzipan arrives systematically during week 40 every single year.
Other shoppers across the country, such as Peder Ernø, pointed out that while it feels early before Halloween, the early appearance has become an expected annual tradition.
Voters Demand Bans on September and October Holiday Sales
A poll conducted by Norstat for the news outlet Dagbladet’s DinSide reveals that 42 percent of Norwegians want a ban on selling Christmas products in stores during the early autumn months.
Geir Pollestad of the Centre Party understands the public sentiment, noting that stores start Christmas sales almost before people have taken off their summer clothes. However, neither Pollestad nor other political figures support a statutory ban.
Millions of Liters of Holiday Soda Drive Retail Sales
Representatives from major grocery groups report that the red and brown holiday soft drinks arrive in full force starting Monday, October 5.
Meny communications chief Nina Horn Hynne noted that holiday soft drink sales depend heavily on tradition and geographical attachment, with customers split among classic varieties, sweeter options, and fresher tastes.
Kiwi sold nearly 5.4 million liters — roughly one liter for every resident in Norway — while Meny moved approximately 1.4 million liters.
Kristine Aakvaag Arvin of Kiwi explained that while products sell well upon arrival, the final two weeks before Christmas account for roughly 50 to 60 percent of total sales.
At Ringnes, press manager Nicolay Bruusgaard reported that the company sold around ten million liters last year, matching that same production volume for the current season.
While plastic bottles remain the largest volume seller, aluminum cans are growing at a faster rate and approaching the popularity of glass bottles, according to Coop, who also noted that sugar-free varieties have flattened out while interest in products with fewer additives increases.
Anders Midtbø of Rema 1000 confirmed that while the chain has no major new soft drink additions, regional and local varieties remain vital for customers, with the full holiday assortment expected in most stores during the first few weeks of November.
Coop’s inventory schedule sees dry goods and beverages launched between weeks 40 and 46, fresh and frozen goods arriving between weeks 42 and 45, and the bulk of remaining perishables landing between weeks 44 and 46.
Will politicians maintain their opposition to a statutory ban as public backing for restrictions reaches 42 percent?