The summer’s barely over, but shocked customers have already spotted Christmas products at a number of supermarkets in the county.

Shelves at Sainsbury’s and Morrisons in Maidstone and Gravesend are the latest to be filled with mince pies and puddings.

Despite the heatwave, several major retailers are already getting ready for December 25.

Supermarkets are notorious for stocking up early ahead of seasonal events, and across the county branches have already filled aisles with festive treats.

A recent Facebook post showed a picture of a shelf at the Sainsbury’s branch in Romney Place, Maidstone.

It said: “Panettone, mince pies, Christmas cake and puddings. IT'S STILL AUGUST stop rushing us into your next profit maker!!”

The frustrated shopper told KentOnline they spotted the items while browsing on Thursday, August 31 – 116 days before the big day.

They said: “I start looking forward to Christmas at the end of October after Halloween, not before the end of the school summer holidays.

“To a lot of people, it's just a reminder of impending financial stress.”

The shopper added that it was “ridiculous”.

Elsewhere, another customer noticed iced mince pies at Morrisons in Coldharbour Road, Northfleet.

The sweet treats were spotted last Tuesday (September 5).

In July, both Asda and Waitrose announced their Christmas collections for 2023, which customers can pre-order online.

Tesco also launched a dedicated webpage on their grocery ordering system, including inspiration for gifts and frozen party food, as well as chocolate, sweets and treats.

“It won't be long before we're wrapping Christmas gifts, hanging baubles, lighting candles, and tucking into a warm mince pie,” it said.

“So before Mr Claus arrives, we'll help you spread the cost sooner and enjoy the rewards for longer.”

Some KentOnline shoppers were thrilled at the thought of getting their Christmas fix early – many relieved at the thought of spreading the cost early.

Berni Macken said: “I started in August, then buy something each week. I don’t have the money to go out Xmas Eve and spend a couple of grand.”

Angie Bloxham commented: “It's never too early, especially with things the way they are.

“Little and often is helpful to a lot of people or December is a huge stress. Every little helps.”

“Not too early if you need to spread the cost. No one is forcing you to buy it,” Vanessa King agreed.

However, others have said that it is "too soon" to have them on display, and stores should wait until other seasonal events have finished.

Some even believed that the festivities shouldn't start until December 1.

“Shame Halloween stock comes and goes so quick just to get Christmas stock out,” Darminder Bilkhoo explained.

“I've worked in retail for a long time, retail has three seasons – Christmas, Easter and Summer (with different bits in-between).”

Sue Benn said: “Too early. Maybe end of next month, this is ridiculous.”

“Plus the use-by date on most items runs out before then,” Anna Ling added.

‘...some customers like to buy gifts and longer life items in plenty of time or treat themselves early.’

Katie Wilson commented: “It’s a joke. It’s just turned September and yet they are already shoving it in our faces.”

The two supermarkets defended the idea, claiming that their shoppers prefer to grab deals ahead of December.

A spokesman from Sainsbury’s said: “Each year we stock some festive products in advance of the main Christmas period.

“This is because some customers like to buy gifts and longer life items in plenty of time or treat themselves early.”

A spokesman from Morrisons added: "We start selling mince pies and Christmas puddings a few months before Christmas because our customers tell us they really enjoy them."