Holiday Company Finds a Bright Spot on Black Friday

Nov. 28, 2008 - PRLog -- ALPHARETTA, GA  -- In light of an economic slowdown and in advance of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, consumers are shopping online for energy efficient LED Christmas lights and artificial Christmas trees in greater numbers than in years past.  Christmas Lights Etc. (www.christmaslightsetc.com), one of the largest U.S. suppliers of premium Christmas trees, decorations and holiday lighting for homes, commercial decorators and businesses reports a 50% increase in annual sales of LED Christmas lights over 2007 and a 400% increase in November sales of discounted artificial Christmas trees compared to a year ago.  

Several factors are likely to be driving the numbers:  

Buying Online Makes Economic Sense
Consumers buy online in order to save money, reduce fuel cost and avoid paying sales tax.  This year, high volume online retailers like Christmas Lights Etc. that have the advantage of operating with lower overhead costs can afford to slash prices more aggressively than conventional brick and mortar stores.  Like other holiday retailers, Christmas Lights Etc. has been aggressive in offering customers more opportunities to save online this season.  

LED Lights Save Green
Paying just 10% of the cost to power Christmas lights that last twice as long makes sense.  A recent initiative announced by Governor Paterson and the New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) recommended that residents of the state “Upgrade decorative or holiday lighting with ENERGY STAR qualified Light-Emitting Diode (LED) holiday lighting strands.  LED holiday lighting strands last up to 11 holiday seasons, rarely burn out and will save you up to $100 per year on your energy bill!”  In fact, switching to LED Christmas lights is as easy as replacing current C7 or C9 incandescent bulbs with their C7 or C9 LED equivalents.  This can be done at a fraction of the cost of replacing an entire set of lights and helps to protect money already spent on light strings, clips and installation accessories.  Annual sales of LED replacement bulbs alone are up 127% from 2007.

Artificial Trees Are More Cost Effective
A recent ten year study by the American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA) reported that Artificial Christmas trees save consumers 70% over real trees.  The study compared the true cost of replacing live trees each year versus the cost of owning a single artificial tree (which typically lasts 10 years or more).  In addition to the lower cost of ownership, artificial Christmas trees come pre-lit (some with LEDs) so that consumers do not have the added burden of purchasing lights for them.  As well, historical numbers indicate that the popularity of artificial Christmas trees is on the rise.  Based on the early sales data, a slower economy may in fact further accelerate the public’s adoption of artificial Christmas trees.

With significant discounts for its customers and positive sales growth in tow, Christmas Lights Etc. prepares for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2008 with optimism.  

About Christmas Lights, Etc.
Established in 2000, Christmas Lights, Etc. is a nationwide leading online retailer of premium artificial Christmas trees, lights and decorations.  ChristmasLightsEtc.com has been the #1 online Christmas Shopping site for three years in a row according to Alexa.  Their products have been featured by the CBS Early Morning Show, Smart Money magazine, Wall Street Journal, and HGTV to name a few.

For more information about Christmas Lights Etc., visit http://www.christmaslightsetc.com or call 866-962-7382.

Contact:
Aaron Hassen, 866-962-7382, Ext. 5016
Email: media(at)christmaslightsetc.com

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Nationwide leading online retailer of premium Artificial Christmas Trees, Christmas Lights, Decorations, and Christmas Ornaments. Products have been featured by the CBS Early Morning Show, Smart Money magazine, Wall Street Journal, and HGTV.