Even in a down economy, Christmas is big business. In 2007 the U.S. Census reports that $30.5 billion was spent in December alone. While that may sum up holiday sales for most, some companies see red – and green – all year round!
Greetings to You
Friends, family, and coworkers; every year an estimated 1.9 billion cards are sent to destinations around the world wishing all a Merry Christmas. Combine those cards with an increased volume of letters and packages, and the United States Postal Service experiences triple their usual volume of mail around the holiday season.
Deck the Halls
Whether you’re decking the halls, the mantle or just a tree, decorations play a part in every festive home and business on the days leading up to December 25. In fact, Christmas decorations account for millions of dollars in revenue each year. More than 593.8 million went to China, the top importer of decorations, in 2007 alone.
Artificial Christmas Trees
Decorations aren’t the only Christmas market China has cornered. The country is also the top importer of artificial trees. First introduced as we know them today in the 1930s by the Addis Brush Company – a maker of toilet bowl brushes – 2007 imports totaled $66.2 million.
Christmas Tree Farms
The antiquated family pastime of traipsing through the woods to chop down a tree may be passé, but real Christmas trees still outnumber artificial trees. Today, most simply come pre-cut. The National Christmas Tree association reports that more than twice as many real trees were sold in 2008 than were their artificial counterparts. In fact, the real Christmas tree business produced a staggering 1.03 billion dollars for its farmers.
Christmas Superstores
Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland is a 54 year-old Christmas superstore located in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Its more than 50,000 products are dedicated solely to Christmas; from wreaths to ornaments to garlands. Open 361 days per year, Bronner’s reportedly sees more than two million patrons. Bronner’s is not alone; smaller, but no less dedicated, Christmas shops exist all over the world.
Reindeer Rentals
On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer…on farms? According to the Alberta Reindeer Association, reindeer farming is a growing industry in North America. The animals’ integration into existing herds of other species and into existing business models make it difficult to estimate revenue, but one thing is certain: with their low overhead and low maintenance, reindeer are turning a profit for their keepers.
Holiday Organization
Cynthia Townley Ewer, Author of House Works and OrganizedChristmas.com, isn’t exactly a Christmas-only maven, but an entire branch of her work is dedicated to the holiday. Her site aims to help people get and stay organized around the holiday season, but the work doesn’t begin in November and end in January. Ewer’s comprehensive holiday organization plans run year round – as does the site’s blog – and has an avid following.