Christmas Tree Shops- tell me about them!

[TXMouseChaser]

Ok.. Just saw that a Christmas Tree Shop is coming to Dallas. I have heard people talk about them in the past but was wondering what they are like..

any info is greatly appreciated! THX

 

[beansmom]

the christmas tree shop is somewhere between Dollar Tree and KMart in quality. They pretty cheap stuff...but it IS pretty cheap stuff. They're great for inexpensive dishes, etc...I sometimes buy cheap curtain panels for $5-7 a piece for changing seasonally since it takes 12 panels to do my living room.

Frankly, I would call it cheap 'junk'...not garbage but junk...it's fun to go thru now and then but they sure aren't Hobby Lobby.

 

[stsomewhere]

I went to one a few weeks ago. I did not like it at all. Very poor quality.

 

[dawson5]

We had one open last year. Hubby went in when he was looking for Christmas lights to put up. They didn't have any. He asked one of the gals and she gave him a snarky reply, he hasn't gone back. He wasn't impressed with what he saw either. Based on how he was treated, I haven't ventured in to look around.

 

[hsmamato2]

stay away if you're trying to save money..... seriously,my DH calls it a store full of impulse buys....they have cheap prices on cute garden stuff,etc- but you usually end up spending way too much just walking in there..I rarely go

 

[luvmy3]

Its 90% cheap junky stuff but if you happen to find one of the other 10% you can get pretty good deals on name brand products. I buy alot of my holiday/seasonal/garden/decor there because I change it throughout the year. I have also found Nordicware cake and muffin pans, cuisinart baking sheets and Calphalon pans there. I have also found good selections of books, especially when they stocked alot of the Food Network star's books. I have found picture frames from Hallmark too, and they get K-cups in for a decent price. You have to look around the whole store and some days can find absolutely nothing and other days leave with a cart full of stuff.

 

[Evi]

its like a dollar store maybe cheaper not sure I went to one once and thought the quality was pretty poor. Almost like an indoor flea market.

 

[vllygrrl]

Actually, if you take the time to look it's NOT all poor quality. They are owned by Bed Bath & Beyond, so sometimes you can find their past seasons' merchandise there...

 

[candyfloss]

Actually, if you take the time to look it's NOT all poor quality. They are owned by Bed Bath & Beyond, so sometimes you can find their past seasons' merchandise there...

i didn't know that! That would explain why they often have decent bakeware, and lots of wilton baking products and the like.

I think its a great shop for seasonal decorating stuff.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Oooh, I love the Christmas Tree Shop!
Is it high-end stuff? - Not usually. But is it fun? - Almost always.

I get holiday decorating things there, picture frames, etc. I do agree with the warning that you will probably buy more than what you went in for, but it's definitely worth checking out. And leave yourself plenty of time - it's a browsing type of place, not a quick errand.

 

[SalandJeff]

I like Christmas Tree Shop for certain things. Seasonal decorations are usually cheaper than anyplace else and they have a large variety of things for every holiday. Granted the holiday stuff is mostly cheap, made in China stuff, but do you really want to spend a lot on something that's going to sit in your front yard.

Greeting cards are 50% off, and they have inexpensive note cards and such. They have some food items (name brands) and some are less expensive than elsewhere. I just got my 6 y.o. dd a bean bag chair for $20, which was less than I could find anywhere else. Their gift bags and wrapping stuff are nice quality and very inexpensive. They have a small selection of hardcover books, around $2.99.

It is hit or miss as to what you find, but you do have to be careful, as you could easily spend a bunch on impulse buys. I have gotten a lot of name brand items for a steal...it just depends on how you hit it and if there are items you can use. I just got Martha Stewart craft glitter for $1.99 for the same package that I saw at AC Moore for $10.99. Last Christmas I got 10 packs of huggable hangers (same brand sold on HSN) for $.99 - I put them in gift baskets for the teachers.

Our store is large, always clean, and the employees are always helpful and friendly.

 

[mousebymarriage]

I went to one a few weeks ago. I did not like it at all. Very poor quality.

I am not a big fan of the one near my house (it's 5-10 minutes away) but, the one near my cousin (about 45 minutes from my house) is great. The one near my cousin has a much better selection of items, it's always well stocked, and the store is clean. The one near my house is a disaster.

One thing I will say about both of them is that if you see something that you like, buy it, if you wait until next time it most likely will be gone.

 

[mzozzietj]

I find Christmas Tree Shoppe great for seasonal decorative items for a low price. I purchased many items for our wedding there. 50 small picture frames for only $.79/each (favor/place card holders) Cornucopia baskets, silk leaves, etc very affordably for centerpieces, etc

I also got hotel quality towels very reasonably. The catch is that it's always changing so you never know what you can find. You can't really go in looking for something specific but it's a fun adventure when you have time to browse.

 

[MEM]

I visit the Christmas Tree Shop near me about 6 times a year. I think it should be called "Hit or Miss". A lot of the stuff IS junk and perhaps isn't meant to last. I like to buy their gift bags and wrapping paper as well as certain seasonal decorations. I have also purchased party favors there. One of the best things I found there is a stainless steel gazing ball for my garden - I bought it for a Harry Potter Bday party some 5 years ago and now leave it in the garden 6 months out of the year. I think it was $10. Just be prepared to leave the store empty-handed.

 

[ccgirl]

I go there all the time. We have a ton in MA. I have family members that work there. As a PP mentioned, it is now owned by Bed, Bath & Beyond. Not all of their stuff is junk. They have their sales circular on line. I have actually gotten furniture there and it has lasted just as long as any other store. It's like any discount store. You have to know your prices. They currently have the ladder bookshelf that I want to get. Their spices and some of the food items are wonderful too. I get a lot of my picture frames there as well. There candles are nice. I usually get items at the end of the season as they have a huge markdown. They will eventually get Christmas lights but just because they are called the Christmas Tree Shop does not mean they have Christmas items all year 'round. Go check them out.

 

[Dismom55]

I happen to like the store, we have only one in our town and it is a 30 min drive from my side of town. I like they have inexpensive holiday stuff, I like to decorate for each holiday, especially in the entrance area both indoors and out. They also have a variety of non holiday things. I have yet to be in one during Christmas, so I am looking forward to seeing what they have for fall and winter holidays.

I would say, go check it out. But as always keep in mind if you really need that item and if it really is a good buy. I tend to shop year round for gifts and have found several stocking stuffer items for our upcoming Christmas giving.

 

[TXMouseChaser]

Thanks! Ours opens on Sept 17 so I will go check it out then.

I do a lot of holiday decorating so it sounds like a place I will like.

Keep the comments coming though.. I find it really interesting what you have all had to say about it and what to look for when I do get to go there!

 

[beansmom]

Thanks! Ours opens on Sept 17 so I will go check it out then.

I do a lot of holiday decorating so it sounds like a place I will like.

Keep the comments coming though.. I find it really interesting what you have all had to say about it and what to look for when I do get to go there!

I didn't mean to imply it was all junk...au contraire, mon frere...I purchased some LOVELY seashore themed dishes this summer that I'm using this weekend at my beach teeny tiny wedding in Rhode Island. Like oyster shells, you just gotta look for the pearls amidst the dreck.

I buy curtains there...all my winter navy sheers came from CTS at $5 each...I love CTS...just have to sift thru the junk. Happy Hunting!

 

[beansmom]

and how about...now that YOU have a CTS down THERE (I have only seen them in New England thus far), how about sending ME a Hobby Lobby? Just one small one, please??

I drive 3.5 hours to Poughkeepsie NY to get my HL fix every few months. Nuthin like a HL!!

I'm coming home to Texas in 3 wks...I can't wait.

Btw, where IS the new CTS going in ?? The Dallas area perchance??

 

[Evi]

Actually, if you take the time to look it's NOT all poor quality. They are owned by Bed Bath & Beyond, so sometimes you can find their past seasons' merchandise there...

I didn't know that. Maybe the next time I'm around one I'll take a second look. I have to admit I did just do a quick walk through.