Plastic Christmas trees sales soar, but some still prefer the real thing

Many homeowners have shifted from buying traditional live Christmas trees, and now prefer the faux trees, which are cheaper and can be reused. As Christmas nears, local Christmas decoration retailers are receiving an overwhelming demand for imitation Christmas trees because they are affordable, and usable year after year.

According to information received from these retailers, 80% of people prefer plastic Christmas trees rather than live Christmas trees.

Charles Kirton, manager at Mica Christmas store in Hayfields mall, said the high prices of live Christmas trees have contributed to people’s decisions to buy plastic Christmas trees because they are more affordable.

“Live and fibre-optic Christmas trees are quite costly, so customers resort to low-cost decorations,” said Kirton.

He added: “Fake trees are in demand because one can redecorate them every year, and avoid buying a Christmas tree every year.”

Ryan Summit, manager at Foodpak in Pietermaritzburg, said his store also sold a large number of plastic trees. “Artificial trees are easy to use. They are easily packed and reused … The advantage is one can use them for years.


“But live Christmas trees are only used for a few weeks, and I guess that is why many people don’t want to purchase them,” said Summit. Jesmondene nursery owner Eric Burgess said despite how the other market is performing, his 50-year-old nursery is thriving in cut Christmas tree sales.

“A real Christmas tree is part of the real Christmas experience. “We have sold a lot already this festive season and our sales are doing well,” said Burgess. He said although the cut Christmas trees last only for up to five weeks, many people are still buying them to enjoy the natural Christmas experience.