Harrogate Christmas & Gift: Hall M, Stand M22

Puleo is one of those heritage Christmas brands with a story that warms the heart. Sarah Welsh spoke to Joe Puleo and Adrian Yapp ahead of the American company once again wowing at Harrogate…

In January at Harrogate Christmas & Gift Joe Puleo will proudly be joined on his family firm’s show stand by son  – the fourth generation of world-renowned experts in beautiful artificial trees and festive home décor. 

It was Joe’s grandmother Marion Puleo who sowed the seed that would grow into the Puleo heritage brand. In 1954 she bought an artificial Christmas tree for her New Jersey home and set about adding handcrafted details to make it her own. Fast forward to today and Puleo is an international brand and iconic name in the festive trade. 

Joe, who himself started working in the Puleo Christmas store, then located on the first floor of the family’s factory building in Elizabeth, NJ, in 1968, has a fascinating story to tell.

“My grandparents Joe and Marion Puleo, my father Tony and my Uncle Sal and cousin Joe, both of National Tree Company, all helped shape who I am today,” he explains.

“In the 1970s and 1980s we all worked together at the factory, and from October through December we’d help out in the retail stores. My grandparents instilled a work ethic that made it normal to work seven days a week during the busy season.

“And from unloading trucks to selling our trees we all worked hard, no job was beneath us.

“Our single Christmas shop morphed into multiple seasonal stores with patio furniture, grills and pools in the off season. I ran the retail stores until 2005 when we closed them to focus on the manufacturing, design and importing of Christmas trees and decorations.

“My father Tony is 90 but still involved with the company, along with my brothers Lewis and Chris. I took over managing the UK and Europe in 2009 with Adrian and Raymond NG.

“My son Steven then joined the business in September 2024 and will now absorb all of our knowledge, and create a future path for the company. I feel blessed to work with all the generations!”

Puleo are known for their high-quality trees, and the breadth of their range. Adrian Yapp from the UK sales team, says: “We have seen a growth in large trees such as the Grand Kensington Pine, perhaps the most majestic of all trees. Supporting this tree is the splendid Aurora, boasting 4758 short needle tips on the seven-foot size and with one thousand LED lights. This tree will dazzle any room. 

“If customers need another choice, that’s where the Grand Nottingham fits the bill. A striking tree with an impressive index shape and an absolute delight to decorate, it will adorn a lounge with warmth and beauty. 

“For a mid-priced tree, the Belmont Green and Blue comes brimming with tight clusters of PE tips. There’s a grand, regular and a slim-line tree, supported with a wreath, garland and mini tree.

“Then there’s the Everett Spruce, a delight to decorate. It has a fascinating mixture of PE and PVC tips, with a refined ‘A’ shape and tranquil shade of green, giving it an instinctive forestry look.

“The Parque is the tree for those who want something more individual. Its down-swept tips offer an imposing look that will bring joy for years to come. The delicate Arlington design has fine, earthy green tips, whilst the Lymington has a wonderful cushioned appearance of hand-stretched downward tips.

“Finally, for those wanting a pre-decorated tree, the Connecticut Spruce has everything. There are regular and slim-line trees with complimentary wreath, garland and mini-tree, and all come with LED lights, baubles and pine cones.”

Adrian says Team Puleo are happy to offer expert advice in creating the right range for buyers. “Our UK showroom is available to visit any time – call 07766 140386, to make an appointment.”

And in terms of what the Christmas season means to the team personally, let’s leave the last word to Joe.

“Believe it or not I never get sick of Christmas,” he says. “My wife Carolyn decorates our house like a festive wonderland, with baked goods galore.

“We celebrate with my father – my mum sadly passed away in 2021 – my brothers Lewis, Chris and their families, my three children and four grandchildren. It’s a joyous holiday.”

For more information visit: www.puleointl.com