Sales of Christmas trees are soaring across Dundee, Angus and Tayside as homes are being lit up with festive cheer earlier than ever, with local retailers reporting an unprecedented surge in demand. This weekend, Small Business Saturday, (Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th December) is expected to the busiest weekend for sales.
Charleton Farm in Montrose has been selling Christmas Trees for the last 10 years with annual sales typically peaking the second week in December. Karin McQuistan, owner, Charleton Fruit Farm, said: “Even in November sales were up year on year but as soon as the 1st of December hit, trees are selling faster than ever before.
“Our customers are telling us that 2020 has been such a trying year that embracing the Christmas spirit earlier than normal is helping to lift spirits and give them something positive to focus on. Where many people normally have an artificial tree they are choosing to get a real one as coming to pick it is a fun experience for the whole family and is something to enjoy when many of the normal activities aren’t running.
“We grow our own trees here at Charleton so it really is a local buying experience from start to finish and it means while we are selling trees faster than ever before we won’t run out and before everyone has had a chance to find their perfect trees.”
This is the eighth Small Business Saturday with the campaign driving an estimated £800m spend in small businesses across the UK on 2019's Small Business Saturday, and a record turnout of 17.6 million people choosing to shop small on the day.
Cllr Derek Wann, Angus Council, said: “That figure breaks down to £45 per person and spent locally that money has the potential to contribute significantly to the wellbeing of the economy of the region and importantly to local retailers.
“If people are buying their trees from independent retailers we would encourage them to also explore how they can spend with other businesses in the area. The Buy Angus campaign is highlighting Angus’ hundreds of small retailers, offering everything from clothing, accessories, and fantastic gift ideas, to furniture, household items and food and drink.
“A typical household spends over £800 extra in December and by spending it locally where possible, consumers get the personal touch while also keeping festive spending within the local economy – it all adds up.”
Anne Webster, owner, Ashbrook Nursery & Garden Centre, Arbroath, said: “We took delivery of Nordmann Fir, Fraser Fir and Norway Spruce trees on November 27th. Our customers, old and new are extremely keen to harness Christmas spirit this year and we are expecting this weekend to be our busiest for Christmas Tree sales.”
Cllr Derek Wann, Angus Council, added: ‘Every High Street and shopping area across Angus’ seven Burghs is supported by readily available on and off street parking and with paying to park currently suspended, spaces are free of charge in all Council car parks.”
Angus Council
Angus Council works to create strong secure communities, an enterprising workforce, and sustainable development over the range of public services for which it has responsibility. We are a customer and citizen focused organisation and work to deliver accessible, effective and efficient services for the county\'s population.
Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce
As the leading business membership organisation in Dundee & Angus and part of the worldwide long-established Chamber of Commerce brand, we help local businesses to connect, communicate and develop for business benefit.
