by Tony Jones

Created on: August 01, 2008   Last Updated: August 04, 2008

Have you ever wondered where new Christmas decorations go after Christmas? Not your personal purchases which are usually stored in the basement or attic, but what do retail operations do with their inventories?

Well, basically unsold inventory is returned to the manufacturer. Returned or opened items are repackaged, stored and await pickup. These days such items are not immediately returned to the manufacturer, because they have a tendency to choke the chain of logistics. They simply take space away from other valuable commodities that must be delivered "just-in-time". As a result, they move through the logistical chain like a goat that has been swallowed by a boa constrictor.

Have you ever tried to get anything done during the holidays? Well, retailers suffer the same fate. So frequently unwanted decorative items will remain on the shelves or are being hidden from public scrutiny in back store rooms. Therefore, the best time to purchase Christmas decorations is on Boxing Day or the first shopping day after Christmas. Why? Because most unwanted purchases of decorative items are returned before the holiday and many of the retail operations are up to their ceilings with non-purchased or returned items.

Let's face reality: Christmas is a traditional holiday and there isn't a great demand for the latest technology in this market. It's a once a year affair. So keep an eye open for things you want (excluding live plants or trees) and you won't have a problem getting what you want. In fact, that lonely Christmas decoration salesperson will welcome you with open arms under the unsold mistletoe.

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