Selling Christmas in a heatwave
BBCIt is Christmas in July. At least temporarily, inside a large marquee on the car park at Portmeirion Group in Stoke-on-Trent.
The Spode Christmas tree collection returned to being made in the city in 2025, as part of what the pottery firm described as its commitment to British manufacturing.
"Our Christmas tree range has been in production since 1938, very popular range, so we thought why not, in the middle of a heatwave, give the residents of Stoke-on-Trent and further afield the opportunity to buy," said Melanie Raftery, head of retail sales and operations.
The sale, which began on Monday, was inspired by customer feedback, and is being very well received as people like to "spread the chaos of Christmas a bit," said Raftery.
Portmeirion Group is currently ramping up production of the range ahead of shipping to international markets.
Its history goes back to 1938, when designer Harold Holdway, who had never seen a decorated Christmas tree, was asked to create a festive pattern for the American market.
The range has diversfied over the years to include fine dining and gift items as well as figurines.
It remains popular in the US as the history, heritage and craftmanship throughout the Spode brand brings Christmas to life, believes Raftery.
Customers from across the country are visiting the car park sales marquee in Stoke.
Among them, collectorJayne Ball from Bloxwich in the West Midlands, who was buying Christmas dinner services for herself and her children.
"I've been buying Portmeirion for probably the last 25 years, you just keep adding to it, don't you?" she said.
A more local customer was Pamela Rushton from Dresden in Stoke-on-Trent, who was happy to be festive shopping in the heat.
"You've got to think of Christmas, you've always got to think ahead, this day and age, you've got to save money."
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