The coronavirus pandemic has damaged nearly every sector of the American economy, but one industry is seeing a big boost thanks to the virus: live Christmas tree sales.
Marsha Gray, executive director of the Christmas Tree Promotion Board, believes families are looking for ways to make happy memories during such a tumultuous time.
“Yes, it’s a product, it’s a decoration that you put in your home, but getting a real tree involves the choosing, the hunting for it, the family outing. It really is a memory maker, it’s a day you spend together, and it really becomes much bigger than the tree itself,” Gray said, according to Fox News. “It’s really making family memories and people really seem to gravitate to that right now.”
No one tracks the number of live Christmas trees sold each year because lots are so scattered and disconnected. But individual lots and tree farms across the country have seen an increase in demand this year, Fox News reported.
For example, sales at Motley’s Tree Farm in Little Rock, Arkansas, are up 30 percent, news station THV11 reported.
Lee Farms, a family-owned farm in Tualatin, Oregon, sold more than 100 trees in its first four hours of operation.
“It’s almost a new — or a renewed — experience for a lot of families this year,” said Teagan Milera, co-owner of Lee Farms. “Having that real tree smells so good in your house, something to take care of and decorate together, that nothing beats that for the holiday season.”
The Cashman family of Spartanburg, S.C., like a lot of families, purchased their live tree on Black Friday. They told WLOS that they were looking for some holiday cheer and a reminder of their blessings.
“We are really excited to celebrate,” Molly Cashman said. “We have a lot to be thankful for, even in a wild year like this one.”
Companies Offer Christmas Tree Deliveries This Year
Walmart recently announced it would begin delivering Christmas trees to families this holiday season. The retail giant joins other major companies such as Home Depot and Lowe’s Home Improvement offering to deliver some holiday cheer.
“We understand the holiday season could look different this year,” Walmart wrote in a blog post. “It may include staying home more than usual or never having to leave your neighborhood to see lit-up homes.”
Customers will be able to order trees in a variety of sizes — from 3-feet to 9-feet tall.
And if you don’t feel like untangling the lights or pulling out the ladder, they’ll hang your lights too. But it’ll cost you.
Walmart partnered with Handy to hang the lights. Prices range from $129 to decorate a single-story home and $199 for a two-story home. Taking the lights down will run $99 for a single-story home and $159 for two-stories, USA Today said. You’ll have to supply the lights and accessories needed for hanging, as well.
Home Depot is also offering to put up Christmas lights with that average costs ranging from $100 to $300. The price can go as high as $1,000 for bigger homes and more elaborate displays.
