Christmas puddings go on sale marking the start of the festive season
CHRISTMAS puddings were selling like hot cakes at an Exeter supermarket where the festive season has started early.
Sainsbury's in Hill Barton Road, Pinhoe, reported strong demand for the puddings, ranging from the basic, feed-eight delicacy going for £1.09 to the eat, don't drive, large Cognac pudding that steams in at £8.99.
The store had already touched a festive taste bud by launching its deep-filled Christmas mince pies last week — already half price at 59p for a box of six.
Anthony Goss, the store's busy bakery manager was unabashed about starting Christmas early.
He said: "It is not early; really, in fact, the timing is probably about right.
"They are selling really well with the elderly shoppers in particular very keen.
"I know there is often early demand because when I was at our Alphington store the first day they went on sale I had one chap come in and buy 500 of the little ones. He was making up Christmas boxes for our troops in Afghanistan.
"The idea is to let people try them out and taste the ones they like best. A lot of people like Christmas puddings in themselves rather than just for Christmas and it is the same with mince pies."
Pies and puddings are just the forerunner — Christmas cakes are also in and large tins of sweets and Christmas crackers are expected today.
Mr Goss said: "It all helps people spread the cost of Christmas around and we do it bit by bit each week so people can save — it is really going well."
Father Christmas is leaving it a little later for the city centre. He is due to arrive at the Guildhall Shopping Centre at noon on Saturday, November 20, complete with a parade of reindeer, majorettes and acrobats.
Andrew McNeilly, shopping centre manager said: "That's when Christmas officially starts for us — but of course many of our retailers will have other ideas.
"Our Sainsbury's reopens today after a big refit so it will be interesting to see if they have Christmas fayre on offer.
"We also have the new Wilkinson's shop opening in time for Christmas, on October 27."
Exeter's Christmas street lights are due to be switched on Tuesday, November 16.
For many shoppers in Exeter, the benchmark for the start of Christmas is the display windows of House of Fraser in the High Street. This year work starts on October 30, with the Christmas windows at the store unveiled on November 4.
If you've spotted Christmas coming early, call Mike Byrne on 01392 442238.
15 Comments
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by Michael, exeter
Thursday, September 09 2010, 12:18AM
“oh my god, i love mince pies, preferably in the oven for 10 minutes or so with loads of whipped cream and ice cream. hmmmmmmm ! in fact, im going to get some ice cream right now which will have to do as i have neither pies nor whipped cream ! yum !”
by NanNA bOWE, Newmans
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 4:58PM
“Think ur dad would scare us more than
the woof”
by Martin, Brixham
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 4:51PM
“Julia a little bit of Africa may or may not be short of food.
But to say half the world is starving, just makes you look like an Idiot yokel.”
by PETE RUSSELL, DAWLISH
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 4:46PM
“IF DE BIG BAD WOLFIE CUM CALLING SAMMY FEED EM A SAINSBURY MINCE PIE
HE WILL DIE A SLOW LINGERING DEATH.”
by julia, Dartmoor
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 4:43PM
“Captitalist Greed comment I agree with and why are ya thinking of Christamas while half the world is starving! Still anything to keep ya mind of Climate change and real events!”
by SAMANTHA KEEN, the green gables
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 3:51PM
“If that big bad wolf was like the wolf, in
little red riding hood.
Then i would hide all my dollys and teddys then me and Alfie my dog would switch the light off , jump into bed and pull the covers over our heads and hope he goes next door.Either that or scream for Dad !”
by KELLY, FENITON
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 3:21PM
“after lookin at caption 2
noway hose am i goin but anythink
from sainsburys it;s second hand goods after
she has put her hands all over the food
disgusting.
And samant what if the big bad wolf comes a callin ??????”
by SAMMANTHA, THE GREEN GABLES
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 2:55PM
“Krystal
if A badman came in our window
Alfie my brave and loyal bestest friend
in the whole wide world, would growl and then leap like a salmon towards the badman and chase him off leaving him batterd and emptyhanded and tears.”
by KRYSTAL, NEW ADDINGTON
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 2:21PM
“Mike Bryne..
............Nearly gave you a ring me old china.
..... last friday i heard a crashing noise
as the tiles came off my roof, as i had been on the sherry i looked up and saw
Father Christmas attempting to climb in
the window. i thought he's abit early and went back to bed.
it was the next morning that i saw that my televison and most of my savings were missing that i realised it was not Father Christmas but a burgler
how we laughed.”
by Ruth, Bude
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 2:13PM
“Capitalist Greed !”