AT this time of year most people’s minds are firmly on sun, sea and sand.

With another heatwave being promised for the last week of the summer holidays, thoughts are likely to be turning to days on the beach.

Yet one Hampshire store has rolled out the tinsel, mistletoe and holly to launch its Christmas card collection.

The festive season has come even earlier than usual to Card Factory in Southampton’s High Street.

Despite raising eyebrows among shoppers, bosses have hailed it a success.

Jane Whittaker, assistant manager, said: “We started stocking for Christmas cards in the last week of July, because as a company we always had our Christmas things out pretty early.

“It was trialled two years ago and it was so popular.

“Over the last few weeks we have sold quite a lot of cards, although we can’t put a figure on it.

“I think it’s that everything is so expensive these days, people like to spread the cost. Some of our customers are quite elderly and they like to do these things early.

“I think people like to get Christmas cards early.

“A few years ago when we first did it I thought it was a bit mad.

But I would say it is worthwhile having them out now.

So far Card Factory remains the only shop in Southampton to have started selling Christmas cards.

Other stores surveyed by the Daily Echo said they would not consider stocking Christmas products until September at the earliest.

Hatchers Convenience store, in High Road, Swaythling, and specialist card shop Best Wishes, in Bishop’s Waltham, both said that they would not sell cards until around five weeks before jingle bells arrive.

Debenhams and Clintons stores in Hampshire said they would not stock Christmas products until September.