When we think of issues affecting local businesses in Connecticut, we probably don’t think about Christmas trees. It’s not like people buy Christmas trees all year round. From about Thanksgiving until Christmas eve is the window for these business owners, right? Don’t they make enough in a month to keep them happy for a while? Not this year and not in Connecticut.
Local Christmas tree farm owners said they’re struggling this year. The number of trees in Connecticut is so low that people are turning to growers in Vermont to meet their demands. Christmas tree lot owners said they’ve ventured out beyond Connecticut because they can’t trust that they’ll have enough trees to supply them.
When local businesses suffer, it can have a ripple effect. If Christmas tree farms and lots can’t supply enough trees, it affects the whole Christmas season. Families who would normally do shopping when they go out to get their tree go elsewhere. Instead of buying local, they end up going outside the state to make their purchases. This is on top of the financial troubles suffered by the owners of local Christmas tree companies.
The head of the Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers’ Association confirmed the shortage. She said there just aren’t enough trees. Part of this is due to bad weather this year. It’s also due to much higher freight costs this year. And, having one week less between Thanksgiving and Christmas didn’t help. Sadly, she says the problem is cyclical so there’s no telling if it’ll be any better next year.
If you own a local business that is struggling this year, don’t panic. You can talk to a Connecticut business lawyer to find out ways to improve your financial situation.
Source: https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/nationwide-christmas-tree-shortage-threatens-holiday-cheer/2152692/