Christmas Tree Shops will move its HQ

Discount retailer Christmas Tree Shops is further severing ties to the Cape Cod town where it got its start.

The company, whose motto is "Don't you just love a bargain?", will move its corporate headquarters from Yarmouth to the chain's distribution center in Middleborough by next summer, Christmas Tree Shops marketing director Michelle Watkins said.

The company's first store opened in Yarmouth in 1970. The company closed the cramped and outdated store earlier this year, but still has another store in town. Company headquarters have been located in town since 1982.

The chain, founded by a local family, was bought by Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. in 2003 and has expanded to 35 stores in New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The chain plans on opening its 36th store in Delaware this summer.

"This is a business decision based on the fact that we lease the Yarmouth location and we actually own the facility in Middleborough," Watkins said.

Expansion at the 40,000-square foot Cape Cod location was also limited, she said. The 750,00-square foot distribution center in Middleborough will be expanded to accommodate the corporate headquarters.

There will be no job losses as a result of the move, and all employees will be given the opportunity to work at the new facility, she said. (AP)