Three Ways to Embrace the Holiday Sweater Trend this Season

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Dec 07, 2017, 07:00 ET

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Dec. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The holiday sweater craze continues to gain popularity as the season's parties and celebrations kick off. Traditionally, Meijer sells more than 400,000 holiday-related apparel items for the family in December, including sweatshirts, tunics, leggings, sleepwear and sweaters – otherwise known as the so-called "ugly" holiday sweaters trend.

According to Fast Company, today the ugly holiday sweater craze has morphed from cottage sensation to a million-dollar, year-round industry. The trend is not limited to people. Meijer pet buyers report that they move more than 10,000 units of pet-related holiday apparel, including "ugly" holiday sweaters specific to pets, before Thanksgiving and sales remain steady throughout the holiday season.

While there is no shortage of holiday sweater ideas, the apparel buyers at Meijer handpicked their favorites to generate a few chuckles with just the right amount of gaud. Prices range from $24.99 to $34.99.

Go for a clever saying. Red and green, and reindeer and snowmen continue to dominate the visuals in this category. The buyers do report an influx of clever sayings, many lifted from pop culture references, including Gingerbread House holiday sweater; Meow Christmas holiday hoodie, and Chillin with My Snowmies holiday sweater.
Light it up. For those looking to go beyond jingle bells, some of the sweaters offered this season either light up or include an accessory that do so, such as a hat or a necklace. If you are looking to light up your look, try these suggestions: Reindeer Holiday sweater with matching light up necklace; Unicorn holiday sweater with matching unicorn headband; and Fleece Navidad sweater with light up Santa hat.
Celebrate your love – or not so lovable feelings – for the season. If the phrase, "I'm only a morning person on December 25^th" or the classic, "Don't get your tinsel in a tangle" sounds appealing to you, there is a whole assortment of apparel that helps you amplify your love – or annoyance – of all things holiday. Whatever camp you may fall into, here are some buyer suggestions: "Dear Santa, It's a long story" Holiday tunic with coordinating scarf; "I'm not a morning person except on December 25" Holiday long-sleeved hoodie; or "Don't get your tinsel in a tangle" Holiday tunic with coordinating scarf.

And if a sweater isn't enough, there are dresses, skirts with garland, comfy holiday pajama bottoms or holiday onesies that can round out whatever look you are going for – from kitschy to comfortable. For those with a full holiday party schedule, consider taking advantage of the newest trend of holiday pajamas. Not just reserved for family holiday cards, according to the buyers, it's the ultimate day to nighttime look this season.

About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 235 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer pioneered the "one-stop shopping" concept and has evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel, home decor and pet departments, and garden centers. For more information on Meijer, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.