🎄The Rising Cost of Christmas Cheer
Holiday Herald: The Seasonal Splendour Edition
Will the surge in Christmas tree prices shift holiday traditions toward artificial trees for cost savings?
What does LVMH’s new stake in a luxury hotel chain reveal about the future of high-end travel?
It Doesn’t Grow On Trees, Oh… Wait
As the holiday season approaches, the price tags on real Christmas trees are once again a topic of festive debate. This year, the American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA) notes an increase of about 10% from last year's prices, setting the average cost at USD $95.60.
Delve into a detailed comparison with artificial counterparts priced from USD $85 to over USD $1,000 may seem steep but argue a case for long-term savings. Unlike their evergreen cousins, artificial trees don't require annual replacement, presenting a cost-effective solution for consistent celebrators.
🎄 The Skinny on This Year's Christmas Tree Trend
Transitioning from traditional to modern, this year's holiday trend, the skinny Christmas tree or "Treezempic," is taking centre stage! Ideal for compact spaces and budgets, these slender trees are celebrated for their minimalist charm and functionality.
The Washington Post reports a 5% increase in sales of slim and pencil-style trees from last year, such as the Cashmere Pencil Tree. This trend mirrors a shift towards more modern, space-efficient living, particularly vital in challenging housing markets.
Celebrities such as Kelly Ripa are also endorsing this trend, opting for skinny trees as a fashionable, space-conserving holiday décor option. As living spaces shrink and living costs climb, these slender trees provide a festive solution without cluttering living areas 🏘️.
Experts suggest opting for petite ornaments to match the tree's scale, ensuring the décor complements rather than overpowers your space. The growing popularity of skinny Christmas trees suggests they might just become a lasting holiday favourite.
Fir Fun Christmas Tree Trivia
How much do you know about Christmas trees? Did you ever stop to think where all those Christmas trees come from while you're untangling your lights? Well, across the U.S., about 1,500 farms are busy growing a whopping 350 million Christmas trees. And guess what? It takes a whole seven years for one to get ready for its holiday duty — talk about a long-term commitment! 🕒 For each tree that makes it to your living room, up to three saplings are planted, ensuring the cycle of holiday cheer continues. Not only do these trees bring joy, but they also leave no trace behind, being 100% recyclable.
This holiday season, 26% of Americans are planning to snag a real Christmas tree, keeping the tradition alive and kicking. While many opt for a family outing to local nurseries or festive lots, plenty of others purchasing their trees from chain stores and online platforms.
This year, the honour of decking the halls of the White House goes to Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm in Newland, NC. Meanwhile, over in NYC, the Rockefeller Center tree is lighting up the city, bedazzled with over 50,000 lights and crowned with a Swarovski star that's seriously out of this world!
🛒 Seasonal Spending: When Do Shoppers Splurge?
As the holidays approach, peeking into the wallets of holiday shoppers reveals that November and December are the prime months for festive expenditures, accounting for 45% and 34% of annual holiday spending, respectively. As the end of the year draws near, consumers open their hearts and wallets wide, embracing the spirit of giving with gusto and generosity.
As we approach the festive season of 2024, we wish all our readers at Genuine Impact a joyous Christmas Eve! Stay tuned for our next edition packed with more insights and delightful stories to keep your holiday spirit bright!
In Case You Missed It 📬
LVMH Expands Into Luxury Travel with a Stake in French Hotel Group 🏨✨
LVMH is making waves in the luxury travel sector by acquiring a 20% stake in French boutique hotel chain Les Domaines de Fontenille. Known for its exclusive properties in stunning locations like Tuscany and Minorca, the chain is a perfect fit for LVMH's growing interest in experiential luxury. 🌍💎
The investment comes as LVMH faces slowing demand for its high-end goods, particularly in China, and aims to diversify its portfolio. Les Domaines de Fontenille boasts 12 properties featuring organic vineyards, chateaux, and heritage sites that attract a loyal clientele willing to spend EUR €400–€1,000 per night. 🍷🏰
This move strengthens LVMH’s position in luxury hospitality, joining its portfolio alongside Belmond and Cheval Blanc. With plans to expand in Italy and Spain, the group is also eyeing iconic properties with rich cultural legacies. Could this be the future of luxury tourism? Stay tuned! 🚂🇫🇷
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