Closure of Christmas Tree Shops in Dartmouth
It seems odd for people to shop at Christmas Tree shops in July. But this year, there is a valid reason for this. In Dartmouth, Christmas Tree shops are closing down.
Most Christmas tree shops face underperformance. The Christmas shop chain finally said that enough was enough. Is this why they filed for bankruptcy in May? Before, there was a plan in place to close down 83 of its remaining stores. This plan was detailed in court on June 28. If no one volunteers to take over the company, then officials have no choice but to shut down the stores for good.
One Dartmouth store, located at 65 Faunce Corner Mall Road, is likely to close soon due to financial distress. There isn’t a say in whether the store will face closure or not, but customers assume it will close down. They came out and shopped at the store, expecting its closure soon. Although some shoppers are disappointed with this closure, others do not care about it as much.
Customers’ Response to the Closing of Christmas Tree Shops
Mike Lagesse, a non-frequent customer, states, “I’m only here because it’s closing. I don’t shop here, so it really doesn’t faze me too much.”
On the other hand, Diane Antone, a passionate shopper, says with disappointment that she can’t believe the store is closing. She further emphasizes the fact that the store is of good quality and she finds something great every time she shops.
Not all customers feel the same way as Antone, though. One customer states that she barely found anything while shopping and that the store isn’t how it used to be.
Despite customers’ thoughts, almost all employees are concerned about their job status. The closing of these Christmas Tree shops means the loss of many jobs.
Christmas Tree Shops Closing in Other Areas
Plans were confirmed that the shops were liquidating; specifically in areas in Massachusetts and New York. According to the Wall Street Journal, there are 70 stores planned to close.
Areas like Long Island, Hyannis, Bourne, the Cape in Orleans, Falmouth, and West Dennis. All these Christmas shops began their closures by filing papers in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
The papers signal the start of liquidation for stores. Reports also indicate that liquidation sales will start as well in the effect of stores closing down.
In the midst of closing, stores are putting out “Going Out of Business” sales. Up to 50% off, customers can take advantage of these big sales and discounts.
Christmas Tree Shops in Cape Orleans
Although it is not out of the ordinary for Cape to shut down stores, Orleans residents are emotional about these Christmas tree shops.
Edie Yerardi, an Orleans resident, says that closing these shops brings an end to a very long “Cape Cod Tradition.” Yeradi has been visiting these Orleans stores quite frequently for about 30 years. It makes her sick to her stomach to watch all of them close.
Opened in 1982, the Orleans location founded the chain of these Christmas tree shops. Many residents say after these shops close, whatever company comes in to replace them will have high expectations to meet from Orleans residents.
Christmas Tree Shops Have More Than Just Christmas Items
It is easy to assume that you would find Christmas merchandise at a Christmas Tree Shop. Not many people know that some Christmas shops sell more than just for the holiday. In addition, Christmas Tree shops sell furniture, home decor, and much more. Along the mist the mist of closing, stores are putting out “Going Out of Business” sales. Up to 50% off, customers can take advantage of these big sales and discounts.
By Makayla Grison
Sources:
The Cape Cod Chronicle: ‘I Don’t Know If They Can Replace It’: What’s Next For Christmas Tree Shop Property?
Dartmouth Week Today: Christmas Tree Shops likely to close after bankruptcy filing
Patch: Riverhead Christmas Tree Shops Locations Set To Close Soon
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Karen Mardahl‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Stitch‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
