Christmas Tree Shops Closing Countdown Begins In Connecticut, US

CONNECTICUT — The sign said it all at the Manchester Christmas Tree Shops location Monday — six days left until the quirky discount chain disappears from the retail landscape.

The sign made it clear that Aug. 12 would be the last day in business for the once-popular chain. A posting on the Christmas Tree Shops web page backed that up with a declaration that Saturday would be the "last chance" to "shop at a CTS store."

Singled out in the corporate announcement were the four remaining Connecticut locations — Manchester, Danbury, Orange and Waterford, along with the closest to the north and south borders — Holyoke, MA; and Hartsdale, NY.

A total of 23 stores — in several states but not Connecticut — closed July 30 under the hype of, "Black Friday savings are now happening at Christmas Tree Shops."

Sales ranged from 30 percent to 80 percent off and "select fixtures, furnishings and equipment were are also for sale at "reduced prices," the post indicated.

"Shoppers should hurry in for the Black Friday Savings and for a last chance to shop this iconic brand before they close forever," the posting said.

On Monday, sales at the Manchester store were being advertised at between 40 percent and 90 percent off.

Shoppers who actually wanted to buy Christmas stuff at Christmas Tree Shops were getting 90 percent off Monday in Manchester.

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A Wall Street Journal report last month noted that the complete liquidation is coming on the heels of a financial snafu in which the chain took out a $45 million bankruptcy loan that has since been terminated by creditors after it defaulted on the terms due to worsening revenues.

The WSJ cited a notice filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.

There were once about 70 Christmas Tree Shops nationwide.

On Monday in Manchester, about two-thirds of the store was barren. Most of the remaining items had been moved to the front third of the store. Items included some patio furniture, a plethora of health and beauty products, garden and patio products, two swimming pools and a large display of Epsom salt.