Charity Shop Wins Best Christmas Window Display Award

The St Wilfrid’s Hospice shop has received first prize in a search to find the best Christmas shop window display in Hailsham.

The charity shop located in the Quintins Centre was chosen by Hailsham Forward and Hailsham & District Chamber of Commerce representatives as the winner of this year’s competition set up to encourage businesses to decorate their shop fronts during the festive season.

Several shop displays were short-listed for the award in Hailsham town centre this year, including those produced by Millie’s and the Demelza Hospice Care for Children, both in the High Street.

However, there was no topping the efforts of St Wilfrid’s Hospice, impressing judges with their front window display which incorporated a traditional Winter Wonderland theme in the window.

Shop staff members were delighted when Hailsham Forward and Hailsham & District Chamber of Commerce representatives dropped in to hand out the special award.

“We were impressed by the way that some shops had continued their festive theme inside, with many having decorated trees, hanging baubles and tinsel throughout,” said Deputy Town Clerk & Business Enterprise Manager, Mickey Caira. “The dressing-up and decorating of shop windows for Christmas clearly enhances the festive spirit of this important retail period.”

“I’d like to thank all those shops who took the time and trouble to set up such brilliant displays, as well as my colleagues at the Town Council and Hailsham Forward for organising and judging the competition.”

The judging of the Best Christmas Window Display competition follows the recent launch of a campaign by the Town Council Business Enterprise officers to promote the town centre and encourage residents to carry out their Christmas shopping in Hailsham, therefore supporting the local economy.

Mr Caira added: “Hailsham has everything you need for a fantastic Christmas. We have a wonderful range of shops and I would like to encourage everyone to spend locally and support our own traders as much as possible. Visitors from outside Hailsham are also encouraged to shop here and are welcome.”

“Hailsham has a great selection of independent and High Street retailers who can help make Christmas 2022 perfect for you. It’s feasible to do all your Christmas shopping in a town like Hailsham. We’re spoilt for choice in the town centre – whether having a bite to eat at some quality restaurants, or for a festive drink at the many bars and pubs.”

“You can buy Christmas gifts from a range of independent shops selling bespoke and interesting items and our town centre florists will have Christmas wreaths to decorate your front door or dining room table. And many local hair and beauty salons have special Christmas offers available, so why not treat someone you love to a bit of pampering!”

“Don’t forget there are also many shops in Hailsham selling a large range of Christmas cards and wrapping paper and there is ample free parking available in and around the town centre.”

“I’d also like to mention the Hailsham Card loyalty scheme – available at the High Street Post Office – which gives shoppers a great incentive to use town centre shops, offering exclusive discounts on independent shops and services. The Card is also available to purchase from participating outlets for just £12 and cardholders can receive unlimited local discounts from all the local businesses that are part of the scheme.”

“Furthermore, why not check out the smartphone-accessible Hailsham Town & Shopping Guide, whereby a number of local shops, businesses and leisure providers are listed, another resource to help residents look for products and services closer to home. The directory can be accessed by visiting  www.hailshamforward.co.uk.”