Jessica Tansey, driving through Chicago after Thanksgiving, noticed a proliferation of pop-up Christmas tree lots. Intrigued, she posed the question to Curious City: Who are these vendors, and how do they operate their businesses during the whirlwind holiday season?
The investigation revealed a diverse landscape of Christmas tree entrepreneurs. One of the most established is Gregg Arneson of Chicago Christmas Tree Lots, whose family’s history in the business stretches back nearly a century, beginning with his grandfather who shipped trees from Wisconsin by schooner. Arneson’s operation, now utilizing trucks and trees from his own farm, represents a more traditional model, focusing on providing a hands-on experience that caters to discerning customers willing to spend time selecting the perfect tree. He operates several lots across the North Side, employing temporary workers, including some recent Jamaican fireman additions to his team, and differentiates himself from big-box stores by offering a wider selection of Midwest-grown trees and personalized service. One of his lot managers, Chris Peterson, shared his appreciation for the seasonal work, highlighting its financial benefit for the holidays.
In contrast, Ivy Speck, a Wrigleyville property owner, runs Ivy’s Christmas Trees on her own lot, transforming her Cubs parking space into a festive tree haven. With 28 years of experience, Speck has refined her business, focusing on premium Fraser firs from North Carolina after initially experimenting with various species. She manages the operation with the help of her nephew and friends, navigating the costs associated with licenses, staffing, shipping, and delivery. While she expresses skepticism towards some online estimates of potential profits, she acknowledges the fast-paced, high-volume nature of the business and the significant expenses involved.
Beyond these individual operations, the investigation also uncovered other models. Several lots are operated as fundraisers by local organizations like scout troops and churches, while others are strategically located near restaurants, creating synergistic opportunities for sales. Chris Hohenstein, a Chicago entrepreneur, exemplifies this approach, running a tree lot at Big Star, a popular taco joint, to complement his online City Tree Delivery business. His physical lots offer the convenience of online ordering combined with the experience of in-person selection.
Despite the demanding nature of the business, requiring long days and rapid sales, all vendors interviewed reported successfully wrapping up their operations well before Christmas, utilizing unsold trees for charitable donations, animal enrichment, mulch, or even creating honor-system sales in the final days. The diverse approaches highlight the resilience and adaptability of the Christmas tree business in a changing market, showcasing a blend of tradition, innovation, and community engagement.