We had a wonderful time hosting Canterbury’s eigth Christmas Window Competition and the judges had so much fun soaking up the festive atmosphere.
The judging took place on Small Business Saturday (Saturday 3 December). The group split into two, so that The Lord Mayor could enjoy meeting local store owners along the way, while the rest of the panel could focus on the details of each window.
We would like to thank our judges: Lord Mayor Cllr Anne Dekker, Will Hill (Course Director of Graphic Design at Canterbury Christ Church University), Amanda McKean (Development Manager at Canterbury Festival) and Rachel Phipps (Writer and Blogger).
The results
Large Retailer – Judges’ Favourite:
Fenwick. Whitefriars Shopping Centre
With over 10 windows to dress each one reflects a different element of Fenwick’s merchandise with bright colours, story telling, festive scenes, a nod to children’s author Lauren Childs. The judges felt that each window highlighted that inside there would be something for everyone to enjoy.
Independent Retailers: Judges’ Favourite
Canterbury Pottery, Buttermarket
This window certainly has the WOW factor. Walking into the Buttermarket your eye is immediately drawn to the window. The theme of the window is ‘Sugar Plum Fairy’ with pink feathers and roses mixed in with the baubles on the pink tree. The colours are unexpected and glorious and the mix of contemporary and traditional design blends really well. It entices visitors in, promising a fun shopping experience.
Independent Retailers: Judges’ Favourite
Sowleys UK, St Peter’s Street
A brilliantly creative window with quirky details across the entire window from the floating umbrellas to the little houses on the ground. The merchandising within each of the umbrellas is very clever with plenty of gift ideas. The judges loved the creative vision of this window.
Charity Store: Judges’ Favourite
Store 50 (Pilgrim’s Hospice)
The theme of this window is ‘Sustainable Santa’ and everything that appears in the window has been reused/recycled/upcycled. The letters flowing from the denim letterbox are addressed to Sustainable Santa and even Santa’s beard is made from recycled material. The judges thought the window had a clear message, well thought out merchandising and the reuse of fabric incredibly creative.
We have some amazing Christmas Windows in Canterbury, please make sure to pay them a visit.
These are our top recommendations: British Red Cross, Violet Elizabeth, Angels, House of Secrets, Siesta, Platfom Gallery, The Chinashop, Happy & Glorious, The Falstaff, Tiny Tim’s Tearoom, Cargills, FatFace, Chaucer Books, Rock Paper Scissors, Cousins Jewellery, Whirligig Toys, Canterbury Jewellers and Pawnbrokers, Fitzgerald’s Jewellers, Wrapped!, BoConcept, Eleto Chocolate Café, Café St Pierre, The Cheese Shop, The Children’s Trust, Luke Goldsmiths, Amoré Brides, Franciscan Gardens, Iconic Jewellery, André Rose, Pybus Opticians, The Refectory, Complete Inside Story, Vintage & Retro, Jessica Kennedy, Age UK, Po’Boys, Lily’s Bistro, Smile LABO, County Clothes, El Sol Tapas, O2, Loake Shoemaker, Winkworths and The Cook’s Tale.
We have created a photo album of these fantastic Christmas windows HERE
Thank you to all the businesses who entered this the window competition this year, and for The city looks amazing with all the festive lights and windows. Keep snapping and sharing!
#MakeYourChristmas Sparkle in Canterbury
