CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It might cost you a little more to deck the halls for the 2021 Christmas season thanks due to supply chain disruptions.
The American Christmas Tree Association predicts there will be a shortage of artificial trees and decor this holiday season. Some sellers are already increasing their prices by at least 20% to prepare.
In 2020, 94 million U.S. households celebrated Christmas with a tree. Of those, 85% were artificial, according to the American Christmas Tree Association. Unprecedented weather events in the Pacific Northwest, including wildfires and drought, have impacted Christmas tree crop yields with some farmers losing up to 90% of their crop this summer.
Industry experts said these supply chain disruptions are delaying orders and driving up shipping costs. As a result, those increases are being passed along to consumers.
Experts say people looking to buy an artificial tree this year should buy it now, while they're still in stock.
"We hope every person who wants a Christmas tree will find their perfect tree this year," Jami Warner, executive director of the ACTA, said. "If I can give one piece of advice to consumers right now, it is to find and buy your Christmas tree early."
Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.