Tree 60! Christmas at 360.

Setting up a pop-up Christmas tree lot is no small feat. It takes careful planning, hard work, and a lot of festive spirit. This year, at 360, we decided to bring the magic of Christmas closer to the community by creating a temporary tree lot filled with fresh, beautiful trees. From ordering the right varieties to collecting and selling them, every step involved dedication and teamwork. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we made it happen.

Fresh Christmas trees lined up at the 360 pop-up lot

Choosing the Right Trees

The first challenge was deciding which types of Christmas trees to offer. We wanted to provide a variety that would appeal to different tastes and spaces. After researching popular choices, we settled on three main types:

• Fraser Fir: Known for its strong branches and pleasant scent, perfect for heavy ornaments.

• Nordmann Fir: The most traditional of all. Known for it classic shape and great needle retention.

  
  

Ordering these trees required connecting with reliable growers who could supply fresh, healthy trees in time for the holiday season. We placed our orders early to ensure availability and quality.

Collecting and Transporting the Trees

Once the trees were ready, the next step was collection. This involved coordinating with suppliers and arranging transportation. Our team , after a quick reroute, travelled to Mid Wales in the truck. Loading the trees required care to avoid damage to branches and needles.

The drive back to the lot was a careful balance of speed and caution. Trees are delicate, and we wanted them to arrive looking their best. Upon arrival, the trees were unloaded and arranged neatly for display.

Setting Up the Lot

Transforming our workshed into a welcoming Christmas tree lot took several days. We started by clearing the area and setting up protective sheets, ensuring the area was safe for customers. Then, we installed lighting to create a warm atmosphere during evening hours.

The trees were grouped by type and size, with clear signage to help shoppers find what they wanted. We also set up a small tent for sales and wrapping services, making it easy for customers to complete their purchases.

Selling and Customer Experience

Opening day brought a steady stream of visitors eager to pick their perfect tree. Our team greeted each customer with helpful advice on tree care and decoration tips. We offered services like tree netting and loading assistance to make the experience smooth and enjoyable.

Throughout the season, we kept the lot tidy and restocked trees as needed. Customer feedback was positive, with many appreciating the friendly service and quality of the trees.

Decorated Fraser Fir Christmas tree from the 360 pop-up lot

Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead

Running a pop-up Christmas tree lot requires more than just selling trees. It demands planning, teamwork, and a focus on customer experience. This year, we learned the importance of early ordering to secure the best trees and the value of clear communication with suppliers and customers.

Next year, we plan to expand our selection and improve the lot layout based on customer feedback. Our goal remains to bring joy and holiday spirit to the community through fresh, beautiful Christmas trees.