Marketplace All-in-One The life of a Christmas tree seller
Dec 17, 2025
Nancy Marshall-Genzer, a Marketplace reporter, delves into recent flat retail sales amidst consumer spending patterns. June Hagen, a night shift worker at Uptown Christmas Trees, shares her unique experiences selling trees in the bustling streets of New York City. She discusses the challenges of pricing, the necessity of late-night operations, and the tight-knit bond among her fellow tree sellers. Their conversation reveals the hard work and dedication behind these festive traditions, offering a fresh perspective on the holiday season.
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Holiday Spending Is Uneven But Stable
- October retail sales barely changed, showing consumer spending is resilient despite worries about inflation and jobs.
- Higher-income households drive big-ticket spending while lower-income shoppers lag, revealing a K-shaped recovery.
Where Consumers Are Spending — And Not
- Big-ticket categories like furniture and travel are strong, while bars, restaurants and auto sales fell back.
- The expiration of the EV tax credit likely contributed to weaker auto sales in October.
Night Shift Life At A Tree Lot
- June Hagen works the night shift at Uptown Christmas Trees and describes 12–14 hour shifts managing hundreds of trees and endless pine needles.
- She and other night-watchers share an apartment and a group chat for safety and support while the lot stays open late for city workers.