Anchorage hardware store puts up Christmas displays two weeks before Thanksgiving

Ace Hardware on Jewel Lake Road in Anchorage installed its holiday display, merchandise, and Christmas decorations about two weeks ago, well before the Thanksgiving holiday.

Store manager Chelsea Agnew said the company targets Halloween as the deadline for setting up holiday fixtures. While some customers question the timing, Agnew noted that others appreciate the earlier start to the season.

“You always get the ‘Oh it’s too early for Christmas, not yet, no that’s too early, that means snow’s going to come,’” Agnew said. She added that an equal number of shoppers seem to enjoy the early decorations.

Local shoppers expressed mixed but generally positive views on the extended holiday period. Angel Alvarez said having decorations up around Thanksgiving helps get people in the spirit for a longer duration. “And the fact that it’s up for just a little bit longer is an okay thing,” Alvarez said.

Bruce Lawrence noted that the gap between Thanksgiving and Christmas has narrowed in recent years. “But they’ve kind of all wrapped it into one, so it kind of goes with the season and maybe it will make a cold night a little warmer,” Lawrence said.

Agnew reported that holiday sales are performing well, with outdoor lights leading the demand. She explained that Alaskan residents often purchase lights early to avoid the risk of climbing ladders in dangerous winter weather. “Obviously, we live in Alaska, you want to get your lights on your house before the snow flies, before it’s dangerous to get on a ladder,” Agnew said. She advised customers to buy items they want immediately, as inventory may sell out within a week.