What was recalled
In September 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving outdoor furniture distributed by Nantucket Distributing. This action specifically targets the "Bimini" patio set, a popular ensemble designed for leisure and relaxation in backyards or on patios. The core issue lies not with the structural integrity of the table or the umbrella, but with the folding chairs included in the package. These chairs were marketed as durable outdoor seating, constructed with brown powder-coated steel frames and fabric seats. However, it was the fabric component that proved to be the point of failure, leading Nantucket Distributing to issue this voluntary recall to ensure consumer safety.
To help you identify whether your patio set is part of this specific recall, it is important to look closely at the items included in your package. The recalled Bimini patio set consists of four distinct components: a square glass-top table, a matching umbrella, and the four folding chairs mentioned above. The chairs feature a brown powder-coated steel frame, which gives them their weather-resistant appearance, but the seat itself is made of fabric. If you have this set, check for hang tags that were attached to the items at the time of purchase. These tags are crucial for identification because they bear the specific model number HYS0120. Any folding chairs sold as part of this set with that model number are subject to the recall.
The scope of this recall is defined by where and when these items were purchased. The Bimini patio sets were sold at Christmas Tree Shops, That!, and stores branded as Christmas Tree Shops andThat!. The presence of the hang tags with model number HYS0120 is the definitive marker that your furniture falls under this notice. While the CPSC announcement did not specify the exact total number of units sold nationwide, the fact that six reports of incidents were received indicates that a notable number of these sets were in homes across the country. The recall was officially announced on September 8, 2017, but the risk persists for anyone who still possesses these chairs today.
Understanding exactly what you have is the first step toward resolving this safety issue. Do not rely solely on the brand name "Nantucket Distributing," as they may produce other models that are safe. Instead, focus on the physical characteristics of your furniture: four brown steel-frame folding chairs with fabric seats, sold as part of a set with a square glass table and an umbrella, likely bearing the HYS0120 hang tag. If your items match this description, you are in possession of a recalled product that requires immediate attention.
This recall highlights the importance of checking model numbers on outdoor furniture, especially for items that undergo repeated folding and unfolding. The fabric seats were intended to provide comfort, but in this case, they became a liability. By identifying your set correctly now, you can take the necessary steps to remove the hazard from your home. Please verify your hang tags immediately and refer to the remedy options outlined in subsequent sections to ensure your family’s safety.
The hazard, explained
At first glance, a patio chair is simply a place to sit and relax, but the Nantucket Distributing recall highlights a critical failure point that turns this comfort into a significant safety risk. The core issue lies in the material integrity of the fabric seat itself. These folding chairs are designed with a tensioned fabric surface that stretches across a metal frame to provide support. Over time, or perhaps due to inherent manufacturing weaknesses, this fabric can develop tears or rips. While a small tear in a piece of clothing might be an annoyance, a tear in the load-bearing fabric of a chair is a structural failure. When the material gives way under the weight of a person, it no longer provides a stable, continuous surface for support.
The mechanism of injury here is direct and immediate. When the fabric tears while someone is seated, the support they are relying on disappears in an instant. This leads to a sudden loss of balance, causing the user to fall backward or sideways onto the hard ground below. The recall data confirms that this is not just a theoretical risk; it has already resulted in physical harm. According to reports received by the firm, there have been incidents where users suffered hand and back injuries as a direct result of these falls. A fall from even a low height can be jarring, potentially leading to bruises, sprains, or more serious trauma depending on how the body hits the ground and what objects are nearby.
This type of hazard is particularly dangerous because it is often unpredictable. Unlike a wobbly leg that might give you time to correct your posture, a fabric tear can happen without warning during normal use. The user may be shifting their weight, leaning back to relax, or simply settling into the chair when the material fails. Because the failure is in the primary contact point between the user and the furniture, there is little opportunity to brace against it. This sudden collapse of support is what transforms a routine outdoor activity into an accident. It underscores why stopping use immediately is not just a recommendation but a necessary step to prevent further injury. The goal is to eliminate the possibility of that fabric giving way while you are trusting your weight to it, ensuring that your relaxation time does not end with a painful fall.
Who is most at risk
The primary group affected by this recall consists of consumers who purchased the Nantucket Distributing folding chairs as part of the Bimini patio set. These specific sets were distributed through Christmas Tree Shops, That!, and Christmas Tree Shops andThat! retail locations. While any owner of these items faces the potential for injury, the nature of the defect—a tearing fabric seat—creates a particularly uneven playing field regarding safety outcomes. The hazard is not merely an inconvenience; it is a sudden structural failure that leaves no time for reaction. Therefore, understanding who is most vulnerable requires looking at both the physical mechanics of the fall and the physiological resilience of different user groups.
Children are arguably the most critically at risk in this scenario. The folding chairs were designed with fabric seats intended to support an adult’s weight. A child’s body mass is significantly lighter, which can sometimes create a false sense of security for parents who believe the chair is "too big" or "overbuilt" for their toddler. However, this lack of tension on the fabric may actually accelerate wear and tear in unexpected ways, or simply mean that a child does not trigger the chair’s stability limits until they shift position abruptly. More importantly, children have less developed motor skills and balance. If the fabric tears while a child is sitting or attempting to stand, they are unlikely to be able to catch themselves. The fall distance, combined with their smaller bone density and higher center of gravity relative to their size, increases the likelihood of serious head, wrist, or spinal injuries compared to an adult who might stumble but remain upright.
Elderly users also face a disproportionately high risk from this specific defect. As we age, bone density decreases, making fractures far more likely from impacts that would only cause bruising in younger individuals. The recall notes incidents involving hand and back injuries, which are common fracture sites for seniors. Furthermore, elderly individuals often rely on sturdy furniture for support when rising from a seated position. If the fabric seat fails during this critical transfer of weight, the user may collapse backward or to the side with no stable surface to grab onto. The psychological impact is also significant; a fall in a patio setting can lead to a loss of confidence in outdoor mobility, potentially causing users to avoid spending time outside, which affects mental and physical well-being.
Additionally, individuals with pre-existing balance issues or those who may be distracted by social activities are at greater risk. Patio sets are often used during gatherings where attention is divided. If a person is turning to speak to someone while seated in a compromised chair, the rotational force applied to the tearing fabric can exacerbate the rip. This group includes anyone who might sit on the edge of the chair or lean back casually, putting uneven pressure on one side of the seat. The defect does not discriminate by weight class, but it discriminates heavily by reaction time and physical fragility. For this reason, immediate discontinuation of use is vital for all demographics, but especially for those whose bodies cannot withstand the impact of an unexpected fall.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you purchased a patio set from Christmas Tree Shops, That!, or Christmas Tree Shops andThat! around the time of this recall, it is important to verify whether your specific chairs are part of the safety notice. The product in question is not just any folding chair; it is specifically the Nantucket Distributing brand chairs that were sold as part of the Bimini patio set. To confirm if you own the affected items, you need to look for several distinct physical and labeling characteristics that distinguish this set from other outdoor furniture.
First, examine the construction and finish of the chairs. The recalled folding chairs feature a brown powder-coated steel frame. This specific color and coating style is a key identifier. Next, look at the seating surface. The seats are made of fabric, which is central to the hazard described in the recall. If your chairs have a different material, such as plastic slats or wicker weaving, they are likely not part of this specific recall group.
The most reliable way to identify the recalled chairs is by checking the hang tags attached to them. You should look for a label that displays the model number HYS0120. This model number is critical because it ties the chairs directly to the Bimini patio set mentioned in the CPSC report. If you no longer have the original hang tags, check any remaining packaging or documentation that came with the set, as the model number may be listed there as well.
You should also consider where and when you bought the set. These chairs were sold exclusively through Christmas Tree Shops, That!, or Christmas Tree Shops andThat! stores. If you purchased them from a different retailer, such as Amazon, Walmart, or a dedicated outdoor furniture store, they are not part of this specific recall action by Nantucket Distributing. Additionally, while the exact purchase date is not specified in the current facts, the recall was issued on September 8, 2017, so items bought prior to that date are more likely to be included.
Finally, inspect the contents of your patio set. The Bimini set includes four folding chairs, a square glass table, and an umbrella. If you have this complete ensemble with the brown steel fabric chairs, it is highly probable that your chairs are subject to this recall. Do not rely solely on memory; physically checking for the model number HYS0120 and the specific store branding is the only sure way to know for certain.
What to do — step by step
If you own the recalled Nantucket Distributing folding chairs that were part of the Bimini patio set, your immediate priority is to ensure the safety of everyone in your household. The first and most critical action you must take is to stop using these chairs right away. Do not wait for a convenient time to put them away; remove them from your outdoor living space immediately. The fabric seats are known to tear under normal use, which can lead to unexpected falls and serious injuries, such as the hand and back injuries reported by other consumers. By removing them from circulation now, you eliminate the risk of someone losing their balance or falling through a weakened seat while sitting down or standing up. Once the chairs have been safely stored away in a place where no one will inadvertently use them, your next step is to initiate the return process. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has arranged for a full refund for all customers who return the affected items. You do not need to contact Nantucket Distributing directly; instead, you should take the chairs or the entire patio set back to any store that participates in the recall program. Specifically, you can return the items to any Christmas Tree Shops, That!, or Christmas Tree Shops andThat! location. These retailers have been authorized to handle the returns and process your reimbursement. It is important to bring the physical product with you, as this helps confirm that you possess one of the recalled units. When you visit the store, inform the customer service desk that you are there to return a product under an official CPSC recall notice for Nantucket Distributing folding chairs. They will guide you through their specific internal process for handling recalled goods. While policies can vary slightly by location, the general expectation is that you will receive a full refund for the items you return. If you lost the original receipt or hang tags, do not panic; the store staff are equipped to handle these situations based on the recall details provided by the manufacturer and the CPSC. If you encounter any difficulties at the store, or if you prefer to verify the details before making a trip, you can contact Christmas Tree Shops directly for more information. You may call their toll-free number at 888-287-3232 anytime to speak with a representative who can confirm the return process and answer any questions about eligibility. Alternatively, you can visit www.christmastreeshops.com and navigate to the "Product Recalls" section located at the bottom of the page. This online resource provides official details about the recall, ensuring you have accurate information before you proceed with your return. Taking these steps promptly not only protects your family but also ensures you receive the compensation you are entitled to under this recall program.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own the recalled Nantucket Distributing folding chairs that were part of the Bimini patio set, your primary and most straightforward remedy is a full monetary refund. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has mandated that consumers do not attempt to repair the fabric seats themselves or try to patch them up with glue or additional stitching. Because the structural integrity of the seat fabric is compromised, any makeshift fix would likely be temporary at best and could still lead to a dangerous collapse. Instead, the manufacturer has arranged for a complete financial reimbursement for your purchase. This means you are entitled to get your money back in full, allowing you to decide whether to replace the chairs with a different model or simply enjoy your patio without them.
To receive this refund, you must take specific physical action to return the items. You cannot simply call and ask for a check to be mailed to your home address without returning the product first. The recall notice specifies that you need to bring the recalled folding chairs—or the entire set if you have it—to any participating retail location. Specifically, you should visit any Christmas Tree Shops, That!, or Christmas Tree Shops andThat! store. These are the authorized points of return for this specific recall event. When you go to the store, inform the staff that you are there to return an item under a product safety recall. They will process the return for you and issue a full refund according to their standard store policies for recalled goods.
If you find it difficult to drive to a physical store, or if there is no participating location near you, you can contact the company directly for further assistance and information. The official consumer contact channel provided by the firm is a toll-free telephone number: 888-287-3232. You may call this number at any time to speak with a representative who can guide you through the return process. Additionally, you can visit the company’s website at www.christmastreeshops.com. Once on the site, look for the "Product Recalls" link located at the bottom of the page. This online resource should provide updated instructions, maps to participating stores, or other digital support options if the physical return process presents a barrier for you.
It is important to understand why a refund is the chosen remedy rather than a repair kit or replacement parts. The hazard identified involves the fabric seat tearing, which has already resulted in six reported incidents and at least one injury involving hand and back trauma. Because the failure mode is related to the material strength of the fabric itself, sending you a new set of identical chairs would not solve the underlying safety issue. Therefore, the company’s obligation is to remove the hazardous product from your home entirely and restore your financial position as if the purchase had never occurred. Please act promptly to ensure your safety and that of your family or guests.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using a patio set that looks perfectly fine on the outside. The fabric seat of the Nantucket Distributing folding chairs may not show any obvious signs of distress at first glance, and the structural integrity of the steel frame might seem unshaken. However, ignoring this recall is not a harmless oversight; it is a significant gamble with your physical safety. The hazard here is not immediate collapse, but rather a gradual, insidious failure of the material that supports your weight. When the fabric tears under load, it does not just rip—it fails catastrophically in the moment you are relying on it most.
The real-world consequence of continuing to use these chairs is a sudden loss of support while seated. Because the fabric is the primary component bearing your body weight, its failure leads directly to an unexpected fall. This is not merely a minor stumble; it is a drop from a standing height onto hard surfaces like concrete, stone, or wooden decking. The impact can cause a wide range of injuries, from bruises and sprains to more severe trauma. We know from the reports received by the firm that this is not just a theoretical risk. There have already been six documented incidents where the fabric ripped or tore while in use. One of these incidents resulted in confirmed hand and back injuries, proving that the hazard is active and dangerous.
Beyond the immediate physical pain, ignoring the recall creates a lingering liability and emotional toll. You are essentially inviting an accident into your home environment. If you continue to sit in these chairs, you are relying on a component that has been deemed unsafe by the manufacturer and the CPSC. The tear can happen without warning, even during normal use such as sitting down or shifting weight. This unpredictability is what makes it so dangerous. You might be laughing with friends, reading a book, or simply relaxing after a long day, only to have the support vanish beneath you.
Furthermore, the nature of these chairs—being part of a Bimini patio set often used in social gatherings—means that an injury could occur in front of family or guests, adding embarrassment and stress to the physical pain. The fall could also damage other property, such as breaking glass tables or umbrellas if you collide with them during the tumble. While the chair itself is replaceable, your health is not. The six reports of tearing indicate a pattern of material failure that is likely to repeat for every user who ignores this warning. By choosing to keep using the chairs, you are accepting the high probability of injury as a necessary cost of convenience, which is a risk no one should have to take when a simple return process is available.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a defect in the fabric seating of certain folding chairs, the underlying principle is one that applies to all outdoor furniture: structural integrity and material durability are not static. They degrade over time due to environmental exposure, and recognizing the early signs of wear can prevent accidents before they happen. Fabric components on patio sets, particularly those made for frequent folding and unfolding, are subjected to significant stress. The threads can weaken from UV radiation, moisture, and the mechanical strain of opening and closing the chair. It is wise to inspect your outdoor furniture at least once a season, looking for fraying edges, thinning material, or loose stitching. If you notice any compromise in the fabric, do not wait for it to tear completely; the risk of sudden failure under weight is real.
Beyond fabric checks, stability is paramount when using folding chairs outdoors. Uneven ground is a common culprit in patio accidents. Always place your chairs on a level, solid surface rather than soft grass or sloping pavement where legs might sink or slip. For any freestanding outdoor table, especially those with glass tops like the one included in this recall, ensure it is not placed in high-traffic areas where it could be bumped by children or pets. If your furniture comes with anchoring kits or stakes, use them. An unsecured chair can tip easily if a user leans back too far or if a strong gust of wind catches the canopy or frame.
Another critical aspect of outdoor safety is knowing your limits regarding weight and usage. Manufacturers design folding chairs with specific load capacities in mind, often based on standard testing protocols. Exceeding these limits, even slightly, can accelerate wear on hinges and fabric seams. If you are hosting a gathering, distribute seating evenly and avoid stacking items on the backrests or seats, which adds unexpected leverage to fragile joints. Additionally, store your furniture properly when not in use for extended periods. Keeping it in a dry, covered area protects the metal from rusting and the fabric from prolonged sun damage, both of which contribute to premature failure.
Finally, make recall awareness a routine part of home maintenance. Many people discard packaging or hang tags once an item is unpacked, but these documents often contain vital serial numbers and model information needed for future safety alerts. Consider taking photos of your furniture’s labels and storing them digitally. Sign up for email notifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and major retailers to stay informed about new recalls as they are issued. Being proactive about product safety ensures that you can act quickly if a defect is discovered, keeping your family and guests safe without unnecessary risk.