Christmas decoration sales fall flat this year

Christmas decoration sales are expected to remain about the same as last year at $9.3 billion, Unity Marketing reported.

“Last season the must-have item was the outdoor balloon inflatables, which contributed to the 9.5% growth in sales of Christmas decorations from 2005 to 2006,” said Pam Danziger, Unity Marketing president. “This year stores have little to offer that will generate that kind of excitement and stimulate such strong sales.”

Alternative color combinations aren’t expected to jump-start sales. Nearly 70% of consumers surveyed will stick with traditional red-and-green themes.

-- Sarah