Lifelike, offbeat Christmas trees penetrate high end

Extreme styles, from realistic pieces to avant-garde designs, spice up the selection.

TOP TRENDS

• High realism: Companies are refining details to make the pieces appear more natural. A number of tips have sprayed-on accents to create a snowy effect. This approach is expected to become more widespread in coming months.
  
• Designs with a twist: Concurrent with the rise of realistic versions, manufacturers are putting a spin on the usual Christmas tree as they move upmarket. Inverted options are gaining ground. Some of the branches and needles in latest models are made of nontraditional materials such as foam.
  
• Built-in electronic features: Suppliers are adding functions to penetrate the high end and avoid the price war in basic units. They will be incorporating more LEDs and audio capability in future releases. Lights flashing to the rhythm of the music are popular.
  
• Alternative materials keep prices competitive: Amid the surging outlay and transfer of orders to low-cost production locations such as Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, companies are utilizing less expensive inputs to maintain competitive quotes. Die-cast steel is replacing zinc-plated tubes in several stems. Designwise, racket-type bases are employed instead of the usual solid version.

PRODUCT GALLERY

Jiangsu Evergreen Light Industry Mfg Co. Ltd
Model: FEG180-660TM
Description: Steel stem; PVC branches, needles; 180cm height

Shenzhen Best Fortune Gifts Co. Ltd
Model: PE75H1539-400L
Description: Steel tube stem; plastic needles; 19.1cm height; UL

Shenzhen BHT Enterprise Co. Ltd
Model: BHT3711-091G1
Description: Three tiers; foam branches, needles; 35 built-in lights; 60cm height; RoHS, CE, GS, EMC

Sun-Dec Enterprises Ltd
Model: 8M Tree
Description: Steel stem; 21,000 PVC branches; 0.12x89mm needles; 800cm height

Yiwu Shuangyuan Christmas Art & Crafts Fty
Model: SYHCT-007
Description: Steel tube stem; 1,500 0.10x600mm PVC needles

Zhejiang Yuzu Christmas Tree Co. Ltd
Model: YZ3221
Description: Steel tube stem; PVC branches, needles; snow effect; REACH