Christmas tree and card sales set to soar as Britons remain home this festive season
It seems Britons are already cheering themselves up with creative advent calendars this year – with a tea-themed one from John Lewis and a cheese creation just two of the multitude of non-chocolate offerings that have caught our collective eye in recent days.
However, experts believe that we’re also likely to treat ourselves to a Christmas tree, and spread goodwill with Christmas cards, this festive season to lift our moods.
Sales of both are expected to soar as a lack of December travel plans mean we’re likely to spend a lot of time at home in the UK this winter.
The Sunday Times has reported that with five million of us who usually go abroad remaining on British soil, we’ll be turning our attentions to brightening up our own spaces.
Watch: Yahoo UK's 12 days of Christmas 2019 video advent calendar - Day 1
Read more: M&S has brought back its Christmas Gin & Tonic in a can and it's got us in the festive spirit
Indeed, the British Christmas Tree Growers Association has predicted that 2020 will be its busiest ever year.
Their 320 members across the country usually supply eight million trees per year.
Similarly, due to nationwide coronavirus restrictions, it’s likely we won’t be travelling across the country to visit family either.
Experts believe this will mean more of us spread festive cheer via Christmas cards.
Read more: John Lewis is selling the ultimate prosecco Christmas advent calendar
Amanda Fergusson, chief executive of the Greeting Card Association, told The Sunday Times: “Retailers are reporting card sales above last year already.”
It comes as the British Retail Consortium urged shoppers to begin their Christmas shopping earlier this year to spread demand.
While in previous years, beginning in October may have seemed early, doing so this festive season will help reduce last-minute demand for items in the final weeks of December.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said: “Whilst celebrations will no doubt be a little different this year, we know customers want to keep Christmas special.
Read more: This cactus Christmas tree is the festive alternative you didn’t know you needed
“That’s why we’re encouraging people to shop early and prevent the last minute rush so their fellow customers and all the store colleagues, warehouse workers and delivery drivers working behind the scenes, have the space they need to stay safe and well.”
The BRC said that retailers hadm been strengthening their supply chains since March, putting in place additional safety and hygiene measures across their stores and online operations – but they still needed consumers to do their bit.
Dickinson added: “BRC’s September sales figures show signs some customers have already started a little earlier than usual, as spreading your Christmas shopping has many benefits in today’s climate – from safety to managing finances.
“However, we want more people to embrace the true Christmas spirit, think of others and ‘Shop Early, Start Wrapping’ and most of all enjoy Christmas – however they are celebrating.”
Watch: Top tips on how to upcycle cardboard boxes
