Businesses' 'pride' in Penrith shines in Christmas window competition

49 businesses have been hard at work transforming the town into a winter wonderland. 

The competition dates back to 1969, the same year the M6 motorway opened. Initially launched to combat the potential loss of trade caused by Penrith being bypassed, it has grown into a much-loved celebration of local businesses. 

President of Penrith’s Chamber of Commerce, Stephen Macauley said: "Its original aim was to lift the standards of window dressing to counter some of the perceived loss in trade due to being by-passed by the new motorway.

"Raising awareness is our aim these days as the standard of window dressing amongst the participants is already exceptional. We are proud to be part of this tradition and always amazed by the creativity and dedication of our retailers and high street businesses," he said. 

Sarah Mossop recalled her first entry into window decorations in 1987 during her first Christmas job in the town's retail sector. This year, her business Sassy Nix Boutique on King Street is among those on the trail. 

Sassy Nix Boutique display (Image: Penrith Chamber)

"It makes you smile. It doesn’t take a lot of work but some put a hell of a lot of work into it. It’s having pride of Penrith and shows people who do value the high street it is a place worth wandering down.

"There’s so much apathy around but when you get to the nitty-gritty, people do love shopping and coming to town, as retailers we’ve got to make sure it is somewhere they want to come," she said. 

Joanne Fisher, owner of Home & More Interiors in Corn Market, echoed the sentiment, describing the competition as a delightful addition to the town each year.

(Left to right) Home and More Interiors and The Toffee Shop display (Image: Penrith Chamber)

Kristin Williamson spoke of how Sands Gifts on Devonshire Street has a long 45-year history with the competition, even bagging a win one year. This year, she was delighted to help design the shop's window. 

(Left to right) Sands Gifts display and Hearth & Home (Image: Penrith Chamber)

“We love doing the Christmas window every year and we love the trail. I think it makes the town look so much better. It’s brilliant for the town and customers who love to see the town looking its best.

This year, there are several different categories chosen by the judges: Best Retail Christmas Window, Best Non-Retail Christmas Window, Best Charity Christmas Window, Best After Dark, Most Creative Christmas Window, and Best Small Window.

Votes can be made via the QR code on the trail. 

The winners will all be announced on Monday, December 16 in the evening at Arturo Lounge.