CHRISTMAS TREE kings Pines and Needles, who famously sold a fir to Harry and Meghan alongside a string of other famous names, have urged Britons to act quickly and bag a delivery slot for their Christmas tree as the clamour for all things festive has started earlier than ever.

After a write-off year for many High Street retailers, Britons have become used to ordering everything online and this year the Christmas tree should be added to the list, says boss Sam Lyle.

And although Covid-19 and Prime Minster Boris Johnson look to have made Christmas more complicated than ever, Pines and Needles says the party is starting regardless.

We have people enquiring about their Christmas tree now which has never really happened before.

“Of course there is some serious news about Covid to contend with,” said Sam, “but what we’re seeing is a real commitment from people to make the most of Christmas.

Control

“They may not be able to control what goes on outside their front door, but when it comes to decking the halls we’re seeing people getting prepared already.

“We have people enquiring about their Christmas tree now which has never really happened before,” he explained.

“The public clearly needs something to take their mind off the pandemic and everyone seems to be looking ahead for something to look forward to. And Christmas is what’s keeping a lot of people going.

“Our online booking service is open now with delivery dates as early as 17 November available.”

But slots are already selling fast.

“We have all grown used to ordering online since lockdown took hold,” Sam explained. “And this year the same will be the case for Christmas trees. Normally we’d see around 30% of our trees ordered online for delivery, but this year we expect that to more than double.

Perfect

“It takes eight years to grow the perfect six-foot Christmas tree so a huge amount of work goes into every tree we sell,” Sam explained.

Of course, he also points to some strong evidence that the earlier you put your Christmas decorations up, the happier and more relaxed you are.

“If you go back 25 years when we first started the business, people would buy their trees a couple of weeks before the big day,” he said. “But now, people want them in their homes for longer to really prolong the celebrations. 

“And with the year we’ve had, Christmas 2020 has started earlier than ever before.”

Sam Lyle is one of the founders of Pines and Needles and has been selling trees in London and across the UK since 1995.

Celebrities

The company sells more than 40,000 trees direct to customers each year and is a Christmas favourite among celebrities from Royals through to pop icons such as Madonna and One Direction. 

“While we wouldn’t recommend buying one of our real Christmas trees just yet, it’s worth thinking about it and securing your slot now to make sure you get the tree you want and your home has that beautiful traditional Christmas smell for as long as possible.” 

The firm has 20 seasonal stores in operation throughout central and outer London and offers delivery, decoration and removal service. 

To secure your Christmas tree head to pinesandneedles.com