An apparel retailer approached us to install living Christmas trees in their retail locations in shopping centers and downtowns nationwide. This project required a similar process to how we distribute holiday decorations using our proprietary network of local contractors.

First, we worked with the client on establishing a specification that would meet all the brand requirements and local fire code regulations on fresh Christmas trees. We landed on the specification of a potted, living Norfolk Island Tree. The Norfolk Island Pine is a houseplant that can be maintained and kept alive indoors.

We sent sample plants in decorative containers to the client’s headquarters for approval. Once the specification was approved, we established a procurement plan. This required us to contract with nurseries to grow Norfolk Island Pines to meet the size and aesthetic specifications. Since the distribution of live tropical plants in the USA has regional limits, we were required to manage the supply chain to ensure that our local network contractors could receive the plants that met the brand’s standards.

Our network of local contractors installed the trees at each retail location and maintained the trees for the duration of the holiday season. Our team organized this feat exclusively through Planterra’s national account management program.

At the end of the holiday season, the trees were picked up and repurposed