Top retail window display winners announced
From over 40 independent retail businesses who entered this year’s Christmas Window Wonderland competition, six winning Christmas themed window displays have been announced as winners.
The overall District winner is Sienna Rocks Christmas Shop in Swan Walk Shopping Centre, Horsham.
Best in town winners are: Hamilton Cole in Pulborough, Park Brown Opticians in Billingshurst, Gris et Blanc in Steyning, The Village Deli in Storrington, and Hamfields in Henfield.
The Window Wonderland promotion was organised by Horsham District Council to make visits to the District’s market towns and villages more enjoyable and rewarding for Christmas shoppers this year.
Commenting on the competition, Cabinet Member for the Local Economy Cllr Gordon Lindsay said:
“I am delighted that so many local independent retailers took part in our Christmas display promotion from across the whole District.
“Our excellent selection of independent retailers are always a real attraction for shoppers and these high standard displays really do add to the overall customer experience.
“My congratulations go to all the entrants who created some stunning and inviting window displays, attracting shoppers to stop, look and pop in to the stores.”
The promotion forms part of the Council’s retail training and support programme – ‘Your Customer Experience’ – for independent retailers.
Chris Billington of Progressive Results Training, who is helping to deliver the Your Customer Experience skills programme for the Council, formed part of the judging panel. He selected a winning display in each town based on criteria covered in a module of the course programme.
Commenting on the awards Chris Billington said:
“Judging all of the entries for this year’s Windows Wonderland in the Horsham District has been a real pleasure for me. I have been so impressed with the level of professionalism and fun elements that have been used in order to put a smile on the customers face.
“I know it has been a tough year for High Street retail, and constant media coverage of this hasn’t made retailers feel any more positive. However, at what is the busiest time of year for the High Street, everyone has made a sterling effort, clearly telling us all that we retailers still love our customers and will do everything possible to be here for them in the future.
“I personally would like to thank everyone who entered for their enthusiasm; judging to find winners was very difficult, they were all excellent!”
