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Christmas Lights Etc. vs Christmas Central

Tuesday, October 8th

2024 Christmas Tree Store Reviews

Christmas Lights Etc. Review 2.5 Star Rating

Christmas Lights Etc.

2.5 Star Rating
  • Prices from $649 to $4,969
  • Hinged branches for easier setup
  • Wide range of commercial-grade Christmas trees available
  • 10-year warranty offered on all greenery products
  • Straightforward 30-day return policy
  • Accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an "A+" grade
  • Has a 3-year seasonal use warranty on ENERGY STAR string lights, 1-year warranty on incandescent lights

Christmas Lights Etc. is an online boutique that specializes in Christmas lights and decorations. They offer two non-commercial tree designs, the Sequoia Fir and the Olympia Pine, which are quite a bit more expensive than the average person will probably want to pay. Despite the price tag, both trees still look artificial upon close inspection. Christmas Lights Etc. also specializes in commercial-grade trees that range from 10 to 100 feet with various lighting options. They have a straightforward 30-day return policy with a 10% restocking fee for returns. The company's exceptional 10-year warranty on all their greenery products and a solid track record with only 11 registered complaints at the BBB speak volumes about their commitment to customer satisfaction. However, due to the limited range of choices, it might be more convenient for most customers to buy their perfect Christmas tree from a different retailer.

Christmas Central Review 2 Star Rating

Christmas Central

2 Star Rating
  • Prices range from $42 to $40,002 (!)
  • Large selection of artificial Christmas trees
  • Competitive prices for basic trees
  • Easy to search and filter by height, tree profile, and needle type
  • Easy to tell what's in stock for each product
  • Unique novelty trees available, such as a pre-lit musical snowing tree
  • 30 days to return, or before December 25th

Christmas Central is an NYC-based business that offers indoor and outdoor decor for all holidays. Their online selection is extensive, covering everything from small ornaments to towering artificial Christmas trees. They have a large selection of artificial Christmas trees, competitive prices for basic trees, easy search and filter options, and unique novelty trees available. Customers have a 30-day return period or before December 25th. However, some customers have reported issues with defective products and lackluster customer service. While Christmas Central has made improvements since we last reviewed them, they still have some work to do to be ranked higher among their competitors.

Where Can You Find the Best Christmas Trees?

Ah, the holiday season - a time when the scent of gingerbread cookies wafts through the air, houses don twinkling lights like evening stars, and Bing Crosby's crooning voice seems to be everywhere. It's magical, but let's not forget the most important piece: nothing anchors this Yuletide enchantment quite like a Christmas tree.

The Christmas tree is more than a festive decoration; it's a symbol of tradition, family gatherings, and the memories we cherish year after year. But as we all know, finding that perfect tree can be, well... a pine in the neck (sorry). That may help explain why online Christmas tree shopping has exploded in popularity over the last few years.

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Christmas Tree Store FAQ

Whether you look to the ancient Romans and Egyptians for their symbolic use of evergreens or to Americans bringing over the German tradition of candlelit trees in the 1800s, it's easy to see that Christmas trees have been a treasured part of winter holiday celebrations for centuries. Modern traditions now include personalized ornaments for each new year, trees themed to recognize favorite sports teams or fandoms, and, of course, the large-scale trees featured in NYC's Rockefeller Center and other big cities around the world.
That's definitely a question of preference. Some families love the annual tradition of trekking out to the Christmas tree farm (or parking lot store!) and selecting the perfect tree for that year. Other people prefer to have a tree that they can use for many years without sacrificing a living one. Artificial trees don't tend to shed "needles” as readily as real ones, and there's no need to keep it watered to prevent drying out and becoming a fire hazard!
In the past, your only option for Christmas tree lights were the incandescent variety - and strings of lights might only last a season or two before burning out. LED lights are usually a little more expensive, but they last longer and use a fraction of the energy that incandescent bulbs need - ultimately saving you money in the long run.
You're not wrong to wonder - that's how it used to be! You may still find some light strands where one faulty bulb will take out the whole bunch, but most lights on pre-lit trees use a technology that keeps the tree lit even if a bulb (or several) go out. You'll often get extra bulbs and fuses with your purchase, if your tree requires them.
Some are easier than others. You may have to insert individual branches into the "trunk”, hang tree sections from a center pole, or fluff the branches after being in storage. There are some Christmas trees that come in just two sections (base and top) and can be set up in a few minutes. Keep the assembly method in mind as you shop, especially if you're buying a larger tree that might be unwieldy to put together!
Most trees, particularly the pre-lit types, are rated for indoor use only. Depending on the retailer you shop, you may be able to find models that are designed for indoor/outdoor use. You might need to check the product specifications for each tree, if the site doesn't have a category just for outdoor use Christmas trees.
You won't be surprised to hear that it depends on the retailer. You may find that returns are only accepted on unused, unopened Christmas trees, that returns are accepted but you'll be charged a restocking fee, and/or you'll be on the hook to pay for the return shipping. It might be worth doing an exchange for a tree you'll like more rather than doing a return: many stores will cover your return shipping costs if you're getting another Christmas tree from their inventory.
Absolutely! And, for many people, it's a much better option than buying one at a brick-and-mortar retailer: would you rather have your Christmas tree delivered right to your doorstep or have to figure out how to get it home from the store? Most Christmas tree stores have been in business for many years, with a well-established track record of high-quality merchandise and attention to customer service - so go find that tree you've always wanted!
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

The quest for the ultimate Christmas tree often involves braving jam-packed stores with lines snaking around the corner, wrestling with tree stands, and asking questions like, "Is it too tall? Is it too thin?" It's enough to turn you into a Grinch. But what if we told you that the perfect tree is just a click away? That's right - buying a Christmas tree online has become not only possible but surprisingly streamlined.

Convenience plays a big role in the rise of online Christmas tree shopping. In today's fast-paced world, where time is a precious commodity, the ability to browse and purchase a Christmas tree from the comfort of your home is highly appealing. Online platforms offer a seamless experience, eliminating the need to visit physical tree lots or stores, sparing you from the hassle of transportation, long lines, and the time-consuming process of selecting a tree in person.

In addition, online stores provide an extensive array of Christmas tree options. From traditional evergreens, to artificial trees with different designs, sizes, and features, you can explore a diverse range of choices at your fingertips. This variety caters to individual preferences, letting you find the perfect tree that complements your decor and available space.

And don't forget about the convenience of doorstep delivery. Once you've selected and purchased a Christmas tree online, it can be delivered right to your door, sparing you the logistical challenges of transporting a bulky tree yourself. This service-oriented approach not only provides a hassle-free shopping experiences, but also helps support a stress-free holiday season.

Whether you're a purist pining for a fragrant Douglas Fir, or an innovator seeking an eye-popping novelty tree in neon colors, we've got you covered. Perhaps you've got a soft spot for live trees but are considering an artificial one for the sake of convenience? Rest assured, there are options that offer the best of both worlds.

While on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree, how do you determine which retailer is worthy of your hard-earned money? To help you make your decision, consider these key factors:

  • Selection. When choosing a Christmas tree at a store, consider the variety of trees available. Some stores may only have a few styles, while others have many. Is this a boutique store targeted at homemaking enthusiasts, or is it catered to a more general audience? Check if the trees are in stock and if you can buy both live and artificial trees. One store on our list even offers both options.
  • Cost. Check if the store has options that fit your budget. How do their Christmas tree prices stack up against competitors? Do you get free shipping or seasonal discounts that make your purchase more affordable?
  • Reputation. What's the word on the street? What are fellow consumers saying, not just about the Christmas trees but also about the quality of customer service? Is the retailer backed by the Better Business Bureau?

The experts at Top Consumer Reviews have taken the hassle out of your holiday hustle by meticulously vetting an array of Christmas tree stores, both online and brick-and-mortar. Our goal is to help you find the perfect merry-and-bright tree for your home or office this holiday season.

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