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Preparing for your family’s holiday feast can be a little more difficult this year due to shortages of apples, turkeys and more seasonal staples. Now we learn of a nationwide shortage of Christmas trees, which is impacting Costco and other retailers.
Related: Price Hikes Make Foods From This Grocery Store Soar
Whether alive or man-made, millions of Americans traditionally decorate their homes with Christmas trees in honor of the season. However, you have to find a new way to mark the holidays this year. The American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA) is alerting consumers to not only reduced supplies, but higher prices as well.
“Costco, and all retailers, will be affected by the reduction in tree supply this season,” ACTA said Business fox in a report. “We anticipate that most retailers that typically sell both live and artificial trees will continue to do so, although they have a limited supply compared to previous years.”
But what exactly is causing the shortages? ACTA previously cited extreme weather conditions in the Pacific Northwest after “some Oregon farmers reported losing up to 90% of their crop this summer.” Additionally, the supply chain remains strained at all levels due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Here’s what Jami Warner, executive director of ACTA, said in a statement posted to the organization’s website in September:
“Each year, we pay close attention to the factors impacting the Christmas tree industry so that we can help guide consumers in choosing the right Christmas tree. country, and encourage consumers to find their trees early in the year to avoid the impacts of scarcity. “
Fortunately, you can probably find an artificial tree right now if you go to your local Costco warehouse. Instagram user @costcohotfinds recently spotted two options for $ 569.99 and $ 899.99. In comments to their video post, members bemoaned sky-high prices so far ahead of the holiday season.
Others noted that artificial trees were investments because they can be reused for many years to come. If that sounds like a good plan, consider skipping Halloween decorations in favor of picking up a tree ASAP.
In addition to Costco, Eat this, not that! contacted the largest US retail chain, Walmart, and the largest US grocery chain, Kroger, to ask how the tree shortage would impact their customers.
Costco management declined our request for comment, but Ken McClure, Kroger’s regional manager, told us, “Kroger doesn’t expect to experience a shortage of Christmas trees or related products this year. As in previous years, we will be offering both standard height trees and our popular tabletop trees in many of our locations. He adds that “As with any holiday shopping experience, it’s always a good idea to buy early!” “
For more on what’s going on at Costco and other major grocery stores, check out:
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