Most people prefer to buy their Christmas tree early, while others would rather wait until the last minute.
Whether real Douglas fir or faux balsam, “Oh Tannenbaum” …
Most people prefer to buy their Christmas tree early, while others would rather wait until the last minute. Whether real Douglas fir or faux balsam, “Oh Tannenbaum” has always been in abundant supply come holiday season, though 2021 may be different. Labor shortages, supply chain issues, transportation problems—and even Mother Nature—have all put the squeeze on Christmas tree farms and artificial-tree suppliers, according to Jami Warner, executive director of the American Christmas Tree Association. “It’s been really tough. It’s a tough year for all consumer goods. Everything is more expensive,” Warner told The Epoch Times. Many of the artificial trees bound for retail store shelves are currently stuck on cargo ships parked off the California coastline, creating a “log jam” of products, Warner said. “However, that doesn’t mean they’re not coming in,” she said of the artificial trees that are made overseas. Warner said about 70 percent of the artificial trees normally arrive by late November. As of last week, the number of store-bound trees was around 45 percent. “The number changes every day. There are some supplies available online. There’s a tree for everyone, and Christmas has not been canceled. Consumers just have to be a little patient,” she said. Bill Boltz, Lowe’s executive vice president of merchandising, said early sales of holiday tinsel and other trimmings are tracking ahead as consumers are getting a “jump-start” on their holiday decorating.
