KEN SAKAMOTO / KSAKAMOTO@STARBULLETIN.COM
Christmas tree sales seem to be strong around Oahu, despite the economic woes brought on by the Sept. 11. The volume of trees brought into the state was comparable to last year, according to shipper Matson Navigation Co. Max Martin, manager of Daiei's Kaheka store, said the retailer ordered a comparable number of trees. Despite slightly higher prices, which range from $20 to $70, and a slower start to sales than he saw last year, the store is almost out of trees. "We're on our last container," he said. Nationwide, many retailers stocked up on artificial trees, anticipating the economic downturn would make them more popular. Daiei ordered about the same number, according to Martin, but they seem to be selling a bit faster than usual. He expects they will run out of those as well, which is the store's goal. Above, newlyweds Cherrie and Fernando Palacios choose a live tree at Richard & Paula Tajiri's lot on Kapiolani Boulevard. Below, Darren Otsuka checks out the artificial trees available at Daiei.
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