Chocolate eggs filling British stores

LONDON, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- The appearance of chocolate eggs on British supermarket shelves so soon after Christmas and three-plus months before Easter is wrong, critics say.

While a TESCO grocery chain spokesman said the sale of chocolate eggs simply reflects customer demand, some consumers and religious leaders are arguing against the sales so far ahead of the Christian holiday, which falls on April 4 this year, The Sun reported Friday.

"We celebrated Jesus being born on Dec. 25 and just days later we're being sold chocolate to celebrate Easter," said one unidentified consumer.

"If people have Easter eggs pushed into their face then they will believe they need them and will buy, buy, buy," another unnamed consumer told The Sun.

Reformed Liberal Catholic Church Bishop Jonathan Blake said while he questions the decision to offer Easter items to customers so soon after Christmas, he could see how such early sales may be beneficial to some.

"Perhaps it's felt that given we're in a recession, putting the eggs on offer earlier gives parents a chance to plan ahead and maybe buy an egg early and put it aside," Blake suggested.