Rocking Around The Christmas Tree

Greg Mims and his son Brandon own and operate a Christmas tree business in Auburn that has, over the last three decades, established itself as a widely-beloved community mainstay.

“Mims Christmas Trees is a lot that we’ve set up in Auburn, Alabama, for the last 33 years,” Greg said. “... My dad actually did this when I was a kid. He did it in Columbus, Georgia, for probably 50 years. And when I went into the produce business when I was 24, it fit right in with what we were doing. So we started selling trees in 1989.”

Between Greg’s father’s 50 years in Columbus, starting in 1975, and Greg’s 33 years in Auburn, this family business has been providing the local community with quality Christmas trees and wreaths for 47 years — and counting.

“It’s gotten to a point now where it’s more of a community thing,” Greg said. “ … We have third-generation customers … I have customers whose grandkids are buying trees from us. It’s awesome. It’s like a social thing now. We get to see friends we haven’t seen in a year.”

Greg spoke about how his son, Brandon, is gradually taking over the business, just as Greg carried on his father’s enterprise when he set up shop in Auburn 33 years ago.

“Now my son is 33 years old and he helps me,” Greg said. “So, he’s got customers that come in and want to see nobody but him. So, he will carry this on once I retire.”

The best part about the Mims’ ongoing legacy: customers unanimously love the trees and wreaths they buy.

“I have customers that literally I’ve had for 30 years,” Greg said.

One longtime customer wrote in the business’ Facebook group, “Thank you so much for your kindness. The beauty of this tree got me through the holidays.”

Another happy customer posted an image of their tree, decorated in lights and ornaments and on display in their living room, with the caption: “We love Mims trees! Always beautiful and smells amazing.”

Many of the photos customers have posted from their homes also show how much children love Mims’ trees.

Mims Christmas Trees has kept customers coming back for 33 winters because of one, simple, reason, Greg explained.

“Because we take care of our customers,” he said. “... Our repeat business is huge.”

On top of selling high-quality trees sourced from a trusted farm in Sparta, North Carolina, every year, Mims always goes above and beyond to meet all of its clients’ needs.

“We deliver, we set up ... we’re a one stop shop,” Greg said.

Greg expressed how much he enjoys setting up a display of his trees every year in front of Dillard’s at the Auburn Mall.

“We display 500 trees that are standing in rows by size, and we have guys there to load your tree, to trim your tree,” he said. “We have guys there to put your stand on. If you need us to, we can deliver your tree. Whatever you need, we’re there

to assist.”

Of this massive 500-tree display, there’s no shortage of variety for potential patrons to browse and select from.

“We have anything from a 4- or 5-foot tree, up to a 14-foot tree,” Greg said. “Depending on how big of a tree you want, it could be anywhere from $40 to $400.”

With that kind of range in size and price, it’s safe to say the business has something for everyone. And these trees and wreaths aren’t just for Auburn locals. The business has attracted loyal customers from eastern and central Alabama, as well as even western Georgia.

“We have a few customers that come out from as far away as Montgomery and Columbus,” Greg said. “Mainly, we’re Lake Martin, Auburn, Opelika, Beauregard. That’s where our main clientele is.”

When asked about who all was involved in running the business, Greg expressed pride in his team.

“My son and I mostly run the business,” he said. “And we have two key people that are always there with us: Jay Smith and Mary Whitlow. Jay’s always there during the day, and Mary Whitlow helps us on the weekends.”

Mims Christmas Trees has been making Christmastime brighter and more beautiful for people in the community since 1989. For 50 years before that, the family did the same in Columbus, Georgia.

In those 83 years, Greg said the family business has prioritized taking care of its customers, building lasting friendships with folks in the community and supplying trees and wreaths their loyal customers are proud to display in their homes.

Mims Christmas Trees Farm is located at 2100 East University Drive, Auburn, AL, 36830. It is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. every day of the week. Greg encourages customers to come out early while trees are still available.

“There’s still a short suply,” he said. “We hope to make it to Dec. 10.”

Find out more information through Mims Christmas Trees Facebook page or by calling 3340-750-5359.