SHREWSBURY – Hundreds of faithful shoppers from around the region traveled to the Christmas Tree Shops at Olde Shrewsbury Village at 1000 Boston Turnpike for the store’s last day on Aug. 12 before permanently closing.
After over 50 years in business, the retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May, and soon announced that the company’s 15 stores in Massachusetts would close. The Shrewsbury location, which opened over 35 years ago, was one of the last remaining open stores in Massachusetts.
“It’s very sad. You could always come and find a great deal… It’s an icon,” said Donna Morriale, who traveled from Webster to visit the moribund retailer.
Having been completely emptied by bargain-seekers in the days leading up to closing, there wasn’t much left inside the store. What was left was inexpensive; certain decorations were up to 90% off. The store was also selling the shelves, racks and bins that once displayed their products in an attempt to completely empty the store.
For many shoppers, seeing the empty store evoked feelings of sadness. Many couldn’t help but remember the company’s heyday.
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“It’s so sad I want to cry,” said Christmas Tree Shops superfan Karen Horowitz. “This was my favorite store, and it makes me so sad to see the people I’ve seen here forever losing their jobs.”
Horowitz, who once appeared in commercials for the company, said she often found comfort in shopping at the store. She said it was sad to see the store gradually change throughout the years.
“What they always did, they did amazingly, and then it changed. Whoever took over made it something it wasn’t. If they stayed with what they did best, it would’ve been forever,” she said.
Shrewsbury resident Amy Fisher, who had been shopping at the store for decades, said she was in disbelief when she first walked into the store.
“I walked in and my stomach dropped. I couldn’t believe it. It’s just awful,” she said.
