In a decisive move prompted by deteriorating finances, Christmas Tree Shops, the Massachusetts-based retail chain renowned for its wide array of home goods and seasonal decorations, is set to close all of its 73 stores across 20 states. The company’s recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing has driven it to take this drastic step unless a last-minute buyer emerges to salvage the situation.
Christmas Tree Shops, which offers products ranging from outdoor furniture to bedding sets, has long been a fixture in the retail landscape. However, its financial challenges have necessitated the liquidation of its remaining stores, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. According to an official filing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Delaware, the company and its stakeholders have tentatively agreed to initiate the liquidation process for approximately 70 stores, unless a potential buyer comes forward within the next week.
The downfall of Christmas Tree Shops can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a $45 million loan the company acquired. Unfortunately, the company’s worsening revenues and liquidity issues led to a default on the loan’s terms, prompting creditors to terminate the arrangement.
Interestingly, Christmas Tree Shops has a notable history within the retail industry. Back in 2003, Bed Bath & Beyond acquired the chain for $200 million, only to later sell it to Handil Holdings, a private entity, in 2020. However, Bed Bath & Beyond itself encountered financial turmoil, leading to its own bankruptcy filing in March.
Notably, Overstock, a prominent online furniture and home retail store, emerged as a key player during Bed Bath & Beyond’s troubles. The company successfully secured Bed Bath & Beyond’s intellectual property through a $21.5 million auction and is undergoing a rebranding effort. Overstock’s Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Johnson, emphasized that the rebranding aligns with the company’s new direction, distinct from its earlier liquidation-focused model.
Overstock’s transformation isn’t the sole change in the retail landscape. Christmas Tree Shops’ presence across various states is set to vanish. As per the company’s website, its stores are distributed as follows:
Connecticut: 4
Delaware: 2
Florida: 4
Georgia: 1
Indiana: 2
Kentucky: 1
Maine: 3
Maryland: 2
Massachusetts: 14
Michigan: 2
New Hampshire: 4
New Jersey: 10
New York: 11
North Carolina: 2
Ohio: 1
Pennsylvania: 5
Rhode Island: 2
South Carolina: 1
Vermont: 1
Virginia: 1
Christmas Tree Shops’ imminent departure from the retail scene further underscores the industry’s ongoing transformations and challenges. As the company’s liquidation proceeds, the impact of these changes will be deeply felt by employees, customers, and the retail landscape as a whole.
