Christmas Tree Shops gift cards expire July 21, CT officials urge consumers to use them before then

Connecticut customers who have unused gift cards to the Christmas Tree shop have until July 21 to use their cards ahead of the stores’ impending closures, state officials said.

The state Department of Consumer Protection and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong on Friday advised shoppers to use their gift cards before July 21, when the stores will stop accepting gift cards. The retailer recently announced that they are closing all stores nationwide, including shops in Danbury, Manchester, Orange and Waterford.

“With all Christmas Tree Shops set to close, time is running out to use gift cards and to make final returns,” said Tong in a statement. “Consumers should act quickly and get their money’s worth now, especially since you should not necessarily expect to receive a refund or any other compensation from the store.”

Christmas Tree Shops filed for bankruptcy in May, recently defaulted on its loan and announced liquidation of all 70 of its remaining stores, officials said.

“When companies close, the time consumers have to use gift cards can be unpredictable,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli said in a statement Friday. “Consumers now only have two weeks to use their gift cards at Christmas Tree Shops.”

Cafferelli also said consumers should use gift cards in a timely manner since store closures can be unpredictable.

“This is a good reminder to use gift cards to any business soon after receiving them,” he said in the statement. “While gift cards do not expire in Connecticut, sudden store closings and bankruptcies may prevent consumers from using gift cards.”

Shoppers can check the balance on their gift cards for the Christmas Tree Shop on the store’s website using the car number and pin.

Consumers can contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Unit at 860-808-5240 or the Department of Consumer Protection at dcp.complaints@ct.gov with any questions.