What Have You Got On Your Lawn
By George Anderson
They’re big. They’re bright. They’re on just about every lawn in New Jersey (and many other states) this Christmas season.
They’re inflatable Christmas decorations.
Inflatables are a big holiday decorating hit of 2003, reports Crain’s Chicago Business, because their prices have dropped as much as half from previous years.
Robert Lopez, manager of a CVS drugstore, reduced the price on inflatable Santas in his store to match Target’s price. The result? “I’m all out of Santas,” Mr. Lopez said.
Of course, others are more bah-humbuggish when it comes to inflatable Santas, snowmen, etc.
Joseph Santelli, president of Yuletide Decorators, a firm that installs traditional outdoor Christmas displays told Crain’s, “It’s one thing when these balloons are up
and running but, when you unplug them, they deflate, and it looks like you’ve got a dead Santa.”
Moderator’s Comment: Are inflatables a one-season wonder or the beginning of an annual tradition as suggested by a consumer interviewed by Crain’s?
As one of our neighbors recently told us on his decision to put inflatables on the lawn, “It’s a he!! of a lot easier to plug one of these in than for me
to go crawling up on the roof.”
Who ever said the Christmas spirit was dead? [George
Anderson – Moderator]