The festive season is upon us, and for many, that means decorating the home with a beautiful Christmas tree. While some prefer the traditional route of a real tree, others opt for the convenience and reusability of an artificial Christmas tree. If you're in the market for a new artificial tree or looking to upgrade your existing one, clearance shopping is an excellent way to snag a great deal. Here are six artificial Christmas tree clearance shopping tips to help you find the perfect tree at a discounted price.
Understand the Clearance Shopping Cycle
Before diving into clearance shopping, it's essential to understand the cycle. Most retailers offer clearance sales on artificial Christmas trees after the holiday season, typically in January or February. However, some stores may start their clearance sales as early as December 26th, so it's crucial to keep an eye on your local retailers' sales schedules.
During this time, retailers aim to clear out remaining inventory to make room for new products and reduce storage costs. As a result, you can find significant discounts on artificial Christmas trees, often ranging from 20% to 75% off the original price.
Know Your Tree Types
Artificial Christmas trees come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and materials. Before starting your clearance shopping, consider the type of tree you're looking for:
- Pre-lit trees: These trees come with built-in lights, which can be a significant convenience.
- Unlit trees: These trees require you to add your own lights, but often offer more flexibility in terms of lighting options.
- Slim trees: Perfect for smaller spaces, slim trees are narrower and more compact.
- Full trees: These trees have a fuller, more traditional shape.
Check Online Retailers
Online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy often offer significant discounts on artificial Christmas trees during clearance sales. These websites typically provide:
- Price comparisons: Easily compare prices across different retailers.
- Customer reviews: Read reviews from other customers to help you make an informed decision.
- Filter options: Narrow down your search by price, brand, and features.
Look for Bundle Deals
Some retailers offer bundle deals that include the tree, lights, and other decorations at a discounted price. These bundles can be an excellent way to save money, especially if you're looking to upgrade your entire Christmas decorating setup.
Check Local Stores
Don't forget to check your local retailers for clearance sales on artificial Christmas trees. Some stores may offer even deeper discounts or exclusive deals not available online.
Inspect the Tree Before Buying
When shopping in-store, make sure to inspect the tree before buying. Check for:
- Damage: Look for any damage to the branches, trunk, or lights.
- Quality: Assess the overall quality of the tree, including the material and construction.
- Assembly: Consider how easy or difficult the tree is to assemble.
Consider Last Year's Model
Retailers often clear out last year's models to make room for new inventory. These trees may not have the latest features or designs, but they can still offer excellent quality at a discounted price.
Warranty and Returns
Before making a purchase, check the warranty and return policies offered by the retailer. Some stores may offer extended warranties or more flexible return policies, which can provide peace of mind when buying a discounted tree.
Final Tips
- Be patient: Clearance sales can start as early as December 26th, but the best deals may not appear until January or February.
- Act fast: Once a tree is discounted, it may sell out quickly, so be prepared to act fast.
- Consider storage: If you're buying a tree during clearance sales, make sure you have enough storage space for the tree and its accessories.
Now that you're equipped with these six artificial Christmas tree clearance shopping tips, you're ready to find the perfect tree at a discounted price. Happy shopping!
We'd love to hear about your clearance shopping experiences and tips in the comments below. Share your favorite ways to snag a great deal on an artificial Christmas tree!