Companies Rush to Supply Patriotic Holiday Displays

It will be a red, white and blue Christmas this holiday season if outdoor light manufacturers can rush decorative displays with patriotic themes into production.

Building on consumer demand for flags and other displays of patriotism, at least one manufacturer has begun shipping lights in the shape of decorative bunting as well as projectors that display American flag images on garage doors.

Some of the merchandise that will be on shelves in time for the holidays typically is sold during weeks leading up to the Memorial Day and Fourth of July holidays.

But lighting companies also are configuring factories to produce additional lighting products with a patriotic hue.

“We have our own plants in Asia, and we can turn them around quickly,” said Keith McNeese, vice president of sales for Yonkers-based Minami International Corp. But supplies of the red, white and blue lights will be limited because it takes as long as a month to move goods to the U.S. by ship. “We’re doing the best we can, but the timing is awkward,” McNeese said.

Retailers expect strong demand from consumers for patriotic-themed merchandise throughout the holiday season.

“Red, white and blue Christmas lights, anything with an Americana theme will do well,” said Kmart Corp. spokesman Dave Karraker. “Consumers are very conscious of patriotism right now.”

Kmart will carefully monitor advertising for products with a patriotic theme. “All advertising will be carefully scrutinized,” Karraker said. “No one wants to do anything that could be perceived as opportunistic.”