Despite pandemic gloom, retailers see strong Christmas tree sales

Despite pandemic gloom, retailers see strong Christmas tree sales
(FILE PHOTO)

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — While the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has not given much cause for celebration, local Christmas tree sales suggest that many Bahamians may in fact be even more enthusiastic about the holidays this time around, with one retailer telling Eyewitness News, “It’s a record year so far.”

Christmas tree sales have long been viewed as a gauge of holiday enthusiasm and the strength of the holiday shopping season. Despite the gloom brought on by the pandemic, sales of Christmas trees locally still appear to be strong this year, as many Bahamians look to bring home some holiday cheer.

Ryan Turnquest, operator of Ryan’s Christmas Tree Garden said: “We actually had to quickly make some adjustments and were able to get some additional trees to supply the market. It’s a record year so far and we still have some time before Christmas.”

“This year, one of our biggest sellers is our Christmas tree stands. I think the reason for that is because you have many persons who in fact hand not bought a real tree in quite some time. We also have a lot of orders from the Family Islands.

“It’s a whole different ball game this year. I have never ran out of trees in the middle of the season. Based on all that has happened this year, I think people are looking for a really festive season. People really want to make Christmas special this year.”

Justin Rolle, a supervisor at Christmastreecity242, told Eyewitness News: “Sales are good. It’s not at its best right now but the trees are definitely getting sold. It’s not what it was last year, but I guess that is to be expected, all things considered.”

Rolle noted that many people wait until the last minute in the hopes of getting a tree at the cheapest possible price.

“A lot of people wait last-minute to buy their trees but by the time they do that we’re sold out. We have really great trees at a great price and hopefully by God’s grace we will get them all sold.”

Across the United States, Christmas tree sales are reportedly booming this year, with retailers quickly running through their supplies.