Brexit has been a topic on the minds of many for the past year or two. As Boris Johnson stepped up to take the role of Prime Minister, he promised to deliver an effective exit plan before the 31st of October. So, what does this mean for British retailers and how could Brexit play a part in sales over the Christmas period?

The October deadline falls right in the middle of the ordering time for Christmas season and has left a number of retailers feeling slightly anxious ahead of the festive period. Without a back-up plan, tariffs could be applied to imported goods coming into the UK. This would increase logistical costs and, ultimately, drive up prices of imported goods across the board.

One company which could feel the effects of a no-deal Brexit is Needlefresh. Needlefresh supply real freshly cut Christmas trees to the trade and to the public. The outfit relies on imported goods and Director Christopher Hood says that the Brexit date sits right in the middle of ordering season.

“If we end up in a situation where we’re under World Trade Organisation terms there could be tariffs on trees coming into this country and potentially more expensive transport. Suppliers who have not allowed for those costs in their quotations could be looking to add on to their prices.”

He added that recent heavy rain has been very good for growth “so we have

good quality trees” although there has been quite a lot of problems with aphids through the summer with the wet weather “so if growers are not on top of it we will see damage. Also for the first time for a few years, we have seen damage from frost because we had frost in May after buds emerged.”