IKEA has left shoppers gutted after axing a beloved Christmas essential just weeks before panic-buying begins.

The retailer confirmed they would not be selling real Christmas trees from Ikea stores in England and Northern Ireland.

In a move that saw customers devastated, Ikea revealed that the decision was taken because of a "decline in demand over recent years".

In previous years, if you headed to Ikea and purchased one of its real Christmas trees for £25, you would get a "free" £10 voucher to spend in store. 

This means that effectively, the tree only cost you £15, a nice £10 saving. 

The trees were all of the same variety – Nordmann Fir – and were about 1.70m in height on average.

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However, there was good news for those Ikea lovers in Scotland.

Locally grown Nordmann Firs will still be available at stores in Glasgow and Edinburgh from November 18.

But punters were urged to hurry as this would only be while stocks last.

Ikea also added that in their Cardiff, Bristol, Croydon and Lakeside, storesreal Christmas trees would be sold in their carparks by an external supplier.

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An IKEA spokesperson said: "This year, we have made the difficult decision not to sell real Christmas trees from IKEA stores in England and Northern Ireland.

"Whilst we know the long-standing Christmas tree offer has made them amongst some of the most affordable on the market, we’ve seen a decline in demand over recent years.

"However, spreading some Christmas cheer another way, we’ll launch our first-ever (digital) advent calendar on December 1.

"Covering all areas of the home, a new offer will be revealed every day throughout December. We’ll share more information on this with you as soon as possible."

They continued: "In Scotland, locally grown Nordmann Firs will still be available in the Glasgow and Edinburgh stores from November 18 2023, while stocks last.

"With their purchase, customers will receive £10 off any spend over £60 on their next visit to Ikea Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Aberdeen between January 8 to February 17 2024.

"Please note that in IKEA Cardiff, Bristol, Croydon and Lakeside real Christmas trees will be sold within our carparks however, these will be sold by an external supplier."

It comes as the oldest Christmas market in the UK has been replaced by a string of smaller events – and locals aren't happy about the decision.

Lincoln Christmas Market first opened in 1982, with only 11 stalls selling items like German wine and handmade gifts.

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And Costa fans are begging to have a legendary Christmas drink back after it was axed from this year's festive menu.

The Toblerone Hot Chocolate was one of the 2022 Christmas flavours at the coffee chain, but it didn't make the cut to this year's list.

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