Christmas Tree Shops Co-Founder Dies, Started Business on Cape Cod in 1970

OSTERVILLE – An Osterville resident and co-founder of the Christmas Tree Shops has died.

Charles Bilezikian was 79 and died this week of pancreatic cancer, according to his obituary.

In 1970, Bilezikian and his wife, Doreen, purchased a small gift shop and opened the first Christmas Tree Shops on Route 6A in Yarmouth Port. The business grew from a mom-and-pop seasonal operation into one of the largest retailers in the Northeast.

The chain was sold in 2003 to Bed Bath & Beyond. There are now about 70 Christmas Tree Shops locations in 21 states.

A celebration of Bilezikian’s life is planned for the First Congregational Church in Yarmouth Port on August 18.