Christmas businesses count on customers to spend more on decor

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Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. modular / ˈmɒdʒ ə lər / (adj.) – made up of separate parts that can be put together in different ways
    Example:

    The office uses modular desks, allowing employees to rearrange their workspace easily as the team grows.


  2. sociable / ˈsoʊ ʃə bəl / (adj.) – involving or allowing people to spend time together in a friendly and enjoyable way
    Example:

    The annual community picnic is a sociable event where neighbors come together to share food and play games.


  3. itch to (do something) / ɪtʃ tʊ / (idiom) – to feel a strong desire or urge to do something
    Example:

    The kids are itching to open their presents on Christmas morning.


  4. threefold / ˈθriˌfoʊld / (adj.) – being three times the amount or size
    Example:

    The team’s performance improved threefold after they received extra training and support.


  5. decor / deɪˈkɔr / (n.) – the style or arrangement of things used to decorate a place, such as furniture, colors, and objects
    Example:

    The decor of the hotel lobby made a great first impression on guests.


Article

Read the text below.

From eco-friendly, modular Christmas trees handmade in the UK to wreaths, baubles, and tree decorations, this year’s Christmas trends are a mix of traditional and contemporary styling.


Some British retailers are already seeing an increase in sales this Christmas.


Over 600 retailers are at London’s Spirit of Christmas fair, including Rachel Mitchell from AdoreMyDoor. She is expecting the upcoming holidays to be more sociable than in previous years.


“I’m not sure that people will be having bigger Christmases. But I think we’ll be visiting more people,” she says. “I think people are just itching to get out there and go and visit different people, catch up with people that we haven’t seen for a long time. Actually, I think the same is true for shopping.”


The festive period in 2023 was challenging for many, due to the cost of living crisis. But in 2024, the total value of retail sales made during the festive season is estimated to reach £96 billion in the UK, according to Statista forecasts, up from the previous year’s value of approximately £93 billion.


Handmade in the UK, these environmentally friendly, solid oak Christmas trees are debuting at the fair.


The wooden structure outlines a classic Christmas tree shape. Its modular design allows the tree to “grow” with ease by adding components and can be easily stored for use again, year after year.


“We have zero impact on the environment. And at the end of this tree’s life, which would probably be decades, you’ve still got something that goes back into the environment with no impact,” says Mike Marchant, Director and owner of Scalable Designs Ltd.


“We’ve already noticed this year that things have improved. We’ve probably sold at this point in the year, we’re just at the beginning of November, threefold what we ordered last year,” Marchant adds.


At this fair, early signs are that visitors are ready to refresh their Christmas decor.


“Our advance tickets were up year-on-year, which was fantastic. And then we also sell tickets online and on the door. So, we’re expecting a bumper year this year,” says fair director Mary Claire Boyd.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Eco-friendly decorations are popular at London’s Spirit of Christmas fair. Do you think it’s important to buy eco-friendly decorations? Why or why not? What are some ways people can make their holiday celebrations more sustainable? Discuss.
  • The fair also shows early signs that visitors are ready to refresh their Christmas decor. What holidays do people decorate for in your country? How important is it for you to keep up with holiday decor trends? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Rachel Mitchell is expecting the upcoming holidays to be more sociable than in previous years. Do you think people are more likely to visit each other during the holidays now than in previous years? Why or why not? What trends on holiday celebrations have you noticed in your country recently (ex. more people are joining sociable activities, people are spending more on gifts)? Discuss.
  • Personally, how do you usually celebrate holidays in your country? Do you enjoy spending holiday vacations with a large group of people, or do you prefer a smaller gathering? Why? Discuss.