John Lewis has opened its Christmas shop 93 days before the holiday season, offering a wide range of festive products such as Christmas trees, lights, tableware, decorations, gifts, and wrapping across all of its stores. The retailer has seen a significant increase in demand for holiday items, with searches for gift wrap rising five times compared to last year, interest in charity Christmas cards up by 75%, and sales of Christmas crackers increasing by 25%. Cydney Ball, head of Christmas at John Lewis, explained that the early shop opening is designed to capture the excitement, nostalgia, and magical feelings associated with the season, going beyond just helping customers find the perfect gift or ornament. One of the standout trends this year is the popularity of retro items. Sales of the Native Union Pop Phone, a nostalgic mobile phone design, surged by 186% last week. Retro Christmas decorations include quirky items like a 70s disco mouse, a miniature arcade game, a cassette tape, and a classic sketch toy. These products reflect a growing interest in vintage and nostalgic themes during the holiday season. In addition to selling festive items, John Lewis is hosting a variety of in-store events to engage customers. Talks will cover topics such as creating a winter capsule wardrobe, styling and decorating a Christmas tree, and setting the perfect table for the holiday season. These events aim to provide practical advice and inspiration for customers preparing for the festive period. Other major retailers, including Liberty and Selfridges, have also opened dedicated festive-themed spaces in their stores. These areas offer a curated selection of holiday products and experiences, reflecting the broader trend of early holiday shopping and the increasing importance of the festive season in retail.