Kim Kardashian refunds $148 Skims calendar after quality complaints

Customer reactions to the product

Some buyers compared the hair clips and scrunchies found inside to items left at the back of a sofa. Julia, a senior commercial manager in engineering, stated she prefers calendars containing fragrances she actually wants rather than generic gifts. Last year she paid £160 for a Space NK fragrance calendar and made a small profit by selling items that remained unused. Priya Raj, a fashion journalist, noted that many calendars are pricey and contain only a few trending products consumers desire.

Marketing tactics driving sales

Beauty advent calendars have existed for over a decade while marketing strategies have become increasingly sophisticated to boost demand. High-profile brands warn their stock is running low to encourage early purchases, and influencers post unboxing videos to create a sense of delight. Ipsos data indicates that around 15 percent of all advent calendars sold are beauty products, with people aged 18 to 34 most willing to spend money.

Consumer skepticism grows

Podcaster Rhea Somaiya expressed scepticism about brands providing menial items that bombard consumers with irrelevant clutter. She explained that excitement often dwindles into irritation when customers receive such low-quality goods instead of joy. Jessica Jasper, a marketing consultant, believes some companies are jumping on a trend while getting carried away with pricing strategies.