Early Christmas Shopping Starts at One London Store

LONDON -- August is now the month to start Christmas shopping -- at least in one London store.

Upscale retailer Selfridges has become one of the first department stores in the world to launch its Christmas Shop this week.

"Despite the summer weather, we're in full festive mode here at Selfridges,” said Geraldine James, Selfridges Christmas Home & Decorations Buyer, adding that the store has been working on this year's collections since last Christmas.

Selfridges says that they have to make sure to be ready -- even 143 days in advance -- to showcase Christmas decorations for visitors from overseas.

"Some of these customers return to us year after year, excited at the prospect of discovering the new collections,” James said.

The 3,000-square-foot Christmas shop will double in size later this fall.

So far, the store offers over 150 lights and tree options, over 120 cracker options, some 1,250 different cards and wrapping paper options and over 60,000 baubles.

One unique element at Selfridges is that all glass baubles have been designed exclusively for the store from one selected supplier in Hungary, known for its glass work.