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Tuesday, March 19th
Based in Buffalo, New York, Christmas Central isn't just about Christmas; they offer year-round indoor and outdoor decor for all holidays. With a business history spanning nearly four decades, they've earned mentions in Elle Decor and HGTV Magazine. Their online selection is vast, covering everything from small ornaments to towering artificial Christmas trees. Known for quick shipping and an extensive inventory, they're a well-stocked option for all your decorating needs.
Lots of categories
Christmas Central offers an impressive array of 2,200+ tree options, neatly organized into various categories. Whether you're looking for an alpine tree that brings a rustic, realistic charm, or you're interested in a tree with colorful branches, flocked designs, or pre-lit and unlit options, they've got you covered. The only thing you won't find here is an actual live tree.
Good basic options but construction quality could be lacking
When we sorted by most popular, the tree with the most reviews was the 6' Colorado Spruce 2-Tone Artificial Christmas Tree, priced at $92.99. Compared to competitors, this unlit tree is relatively affordable. It stands at 6 feet tall with a 45-inch diameter and features a full-bodied profile, enriched by a mix of light and dark green needles for a lush, dimensional look. With hinged branch construction, assembly is simple and it even comes with a free green plastic tree stand for your convenience. Reviewers are largely pleased with this tree, highlighting its easy assembly and the overall value for the price. They appreciate its full and beautiful appearance, and many find the unlit feature a plus, allowing them the freedom to customize their lighting. However, be aware that some users have noted the tree does shed needles when touched. Overall, it seems like a reliable, cost-effective option for those looking for a basic Christmas tree.
Easy to search and filter
As of our last review, searching for a tree based on its height wasn't an option. Good news - that's been fixed. Now you can find trees ranging from a petite 2 feet all the way up to towering options over 15 feet tall. Plus, you can filter your search by other features like tree profile, needle type, and even the specific species the tree is designed to resemble - and we aren't kidding when we say there are dozens of varieties to choose from.
Simple stock tracking
Although individual products here don't have many customer reviews - even popular trees only had one or two - you can easily see the stock level for each tree at a glance. This feature is particularly useful during the busy holiday season, giving you a sense of urgency if a tree you have your eye on is running low.
Cool novelty trees
Christmas Central boasts a diverse catalog with over 2,000 trees, but one that stands out is their novelty 5.5' Pre-Lit Medium Musical Snowing Artificial Christmas Tree, priced at $252.99. Not just any ordinary tree, it comes alive with 60 LED lights, plays 25 classic Christmas tunes, and even simulates a snowfall. The tree's unique design features a decorative green umbrella base adorned with holly berry accents, which serves as a catchment for the whimsical falling snow. The tree is adorned with shatterproof red and gold ornaments and a gold finial tree topper, and the snowfall intensity can be adjusted to your liking. We only wish they had included a video in the product images to showcase the snowing feature better. Other specialty trees include a replica of the Charlie Brown Christmas tree, upside down trees, and trees that are flat on the back so they can be hung on a wall.
Return policy is nothing special
When it comes to returns, Christmas Central's policy is pretty much par for the course. You've got 30 days from when you get your item - or until December 25th, whichever comes first - to send it back for a refund or store credit. Just make sure whatever you're returning is in its original, untouched condition. Choose store credit and they'll send you a prepaid shipping label, but that's only for those in the lower 48 states. Opting for a refund? Then you'll be covering the shipping costs yourself. And heads up, they don't refund original shipping fees, and any orders that are refused or sent back without approval are hit with a return shipping fee and a 15% restocking fee.
Reputation is mixed
Although this retailer has an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, some customer reviews do raise a few red flags. Issues have been reported about defective products and lackluster customer service that failed to resolve problems to the customer's satisfaction. Long-time customers have also commented on a decline in product quality over the years. Interestingly, Christmas Central is not accredited by the BBB, and there's a noticeable absence of customer service responses to complaints on the BBB website. There are also multiple reports of light strands fizzling out shortly after purchase. So, if you're considering shopping here, you might want to stick to an unlit tree and buy your lights from a different source.
Improved, but still room for growth
Christmas Central has definitely stepped up its game since our last review. The shopping experience felt much smoother this time around, and we had a blast checking out their novelty trees and the wide variety of artificial options. However, we still had some reservations about their trees' construction quality, especially since many of the popular options had zero customer reviews. If you choose to shop with Christmas Central, you'll basically be going on faith with the product description alone. Additionally, the consistent complaints about the strand lights burning out effectively limit you to shopping the unlit trees. All in all, Christmas Central has made strides, but they've got some more ground to cover to move up in our rankings.
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.
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:
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.
Select any 2 Christmas Tree Stores to compare them head to head