Demystifying the Difference: Retail vs. Commercial Holiday Décor
It’s a question that plagues each of us every time we pry open our wallets: quality or quantity? Save up front and risk an inferior product or chip in a few extra bucks for peace of mind?
Holiday decorations are no different. While retail-grade decorations have their advantages, commercial-grade may just be the answer for you. Today we’ll unwrap this mystery to help you get the biggest bang for your buck this holiday season.
Walking down the aisle of any retail store, you’ll be confronted by countless holiday lighting designs. With so many options, you can be forgiven for overlooking common issues plaguing these products. The first warning sign to keep in mind is price. Manufacturers pass on lower prices by skimping on quality materials. Thinner wires and unsealed bulbs are a start, but the cardinal sin of retail lights may surprise — length. You may think longer holiday light strands would save you time and money, but in fact, greater length means a greater chance for failure. The longer your holiday light strands, the more solder points, bulbs, and inches of cord for tangling. It simply means that damaged lights and tangled wires are just a matter of time. You may be able to afford that small extra gift now by buying cheaper holiday lights, but chances are good you’ll have to replace that holiday light strand as early as next season.
Have you considered buying commercial holiday decorations? Ask any professional light decorator and they’re sure to wax poetic about the advantages. Commercial-grade lighting strands tend to be shorter, which we now realize is better. The sweet spot is from 50 to 100 bulbs. These shorter holiday light strands cut down on weak solder points, damaging tangles, and even installation time. Commercial light strands also feature thicker, 20-gauge wire and sealed or screwed-on bulbs to protect your holiday lights from the elements. While you may pay a bit more out of pocket now, you can enjoy commercial-grade holiday decorations for seven or even more holiday seasons. 
If the thought of walls of retail decorations brings out your inner Grinch, let Holiday Bright Lights put your dread to rest. Their diverse lines of lights, realistic faux foliage, and yard displays are designed to last as they’re made using commercial-grade materials. Trained and certified decorators not only recommend a personalized design, but also provide full-service installation.
As per the rule of thumb: quality trumps quantity, even during the holidays.
