Bournemouth retailers festive windows ‘best ever’ say president of Bournemouth chamber

Cafes, children’s nurseries and hotels joined shops across the borough in competing for the title of Best Christmas Window of 2013, sponsored by Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

The winners were announced at a presentation event at the town’s Hotel Miramar.

Mandy Payne, president of the chamber, who announced the result, said: “This initiative could not have worked without all the trade groups in Bournemouth pulling together to encourage their businesses to join in.

“There have never been such fabulous window displays – our locals and visitors alike had a real experience waiting for them as they shopped for Christmas presents this year.”

The awards for Festive Window Display were voted on by the public via text messages. The multiple category was won by Primark in the town centre, with Monsoon as runner-up.

The independent category was one by Florence and Teddy of Southbourne, with Scape Interiors of Westbourne as runner-up.

The Hotel Miramar was named Best Hotel, for a display supplied by Inspirations.

The results were so close that highly commended certificates were given to Bo Concept, Harlequins, Westover Gallery and Kaotic Handbag Greek Boutique.

A team of judges chose the winner of the Most Innovative Business Award.

It went to Scape Interiors, with highly commended certificates presented to Simonis Florist, Tizwaz, Little Pickles Deli Café and Cats Whiskers Nursery.

Bournemouth town centre won the award for the area with the highest number of business entries. The award went last year to Charminster. Town centre councillor Bob Chapman and town centre manager Roger Parker collected the certificate at the Bournemouth Chamber Local Government Affairs meeting at the Town Hall and received a customer service workshop worth £650 from chamber member Retail Resource.

All the award winners, along with previous winners, can be seen at the Facebook page Bournemouth Window Displays.