Our Christmas Shop has had a lot of activity since it opened in October.
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| Full shelves and pegs in October |
Most of our orders arrived; some were a bit late, but holiday shoppers took heed of the media's warning that there were shortages in the marketplace and that we should all shop early. And, we did. In our greenhouse/plant department, we sold out of our larger poinsettias by the second weekend in December. Out in our fresh-cut trees, early orders were canceled and our buyer bid on trailer loads of Fraser Firs at a Pennsylvania auction. Trees are still available, as are fresh wreaths and greens. Our ornaments, artificial trees and wreaths, and lights all sold early and did have some supply issues, but even as late orders arrived, they were soon sold.
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| Many styles of artificial wreaths and garlands are available early |
Our Department 56 Villages sold early as well. Valley View Farms' buyers and department heads have never worked harder to procure goods this season. We are not alone in the retail world. Our challenge is to buy correctly for next year. Our crystal ball is at the ready.
In the meantime, garden goods, houseplants, wild bird supplies, and other staples are in good supply. Garden seeds also seem to be plentiful for the new year.
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| Cyclamen will continue to bloom thru March |
How about you? Were you able to get the gifts and supplies you wanted this year? Any ideas of what you'll be looking for from garden centers in 2022? Please share your ideas with us. Our first garden trade show is coming fast. We will be meeting with growers the first week of January.
Thanks to all of you for your support, not just during COVID, but during the last 60 years. We will be celebrating 60 years as a family business on April 13, 2022.
