The smell, the look and the feel of a real tree can't be beat according to Allie Rogers, fourth generation owner of Rogers Christmas Trees.
The Rogers family have been selling Christmas trees since 1919 in Sault Ste. Marie. While the locations of where they have sold the trees have changed over the decades, their philosophy has not.
"It brings me closer to my great-grandfather, Allie, who started this back then. We want to keep going what he started," Rogers said.
Back when he was a teenager, his great-grandfather first sold Christmas trees door-to-door.
Eventually he set up a couple locations in Sault Ste. Marie and sold the trees there.
Over the years, another Allie (Jr.) took over the business. Allie Jr. retired around eight years ago.
Now, it's Paul Rogers who is the third generation owner. But soon, when Paul retires, he will hand over the reigns to the latest Allie, who is his nephew.
Currently, Paul and Allie are 50/50 partners of the business.
A common question that gets asked is "what tree is the best?"
Thirty years ago, the Scotch pine was the favorite, but not today. People don't like the needles because they can quickly fall off.
Some customers are looking for Balsam and Frasier firs because of the soft needles and the needle retention.
But as the saying goes, "to each their own!"
Rogers has a wide variety of trees, from small and skinny to tall and thick, something to please anyone.
"Some people want wild looking trees, some want some well-manicured trees. We try to supply the full gambit for everyone," Rogers said.
Last year, they had a lot of trees left over, the year before, they sold out. It's an unpredictable business. They look forward nonetheless to keeping the family tradition and business going.
However, their continued success depends on community support.
"If people don't support us, we just won't be able to continue on year in and year out," Rogers said.
Allie Jr. (the 2nd generation owner) visits the lot even though he is officially retired.
"I miss the people who come to the lot. The work is too hard for an old guy like me, but I do miss the people," Allie Jr. said.
The Rogers are looking to expand their business to become a wholesaler to other sellers statewide.
Support local. Support a family business and tradition. Check out their lot in front of Autozone on the Business Spur.
