Macy's breaks with tradition with artificial tree

ATLANTA (AP) Macy's is opting to use an artificial Christmas tree for Lenox Square Mall store in Atlanta.

WXIA-TV reports that this year marks the first time it will use an artificial tree instead of a real one for its annual "great tree."

Macy's said in a statement Tuesday that it would begin using an artificial tree to be consistent with its "commitment to sustainable business practices."

Macy says the new tree stands about 56 feet tall and will be decorated by 45,000 white and multi-color sparkling LED twinkle lights.

In the past, the store has selected its tree from a Georgia forest. In 2011, a 60-foot tree snapped and had to be replaced with another one. The store said drought conditions that year made it difficult to find a healthy tree.