The Mayor’s Parlour provided a perfect backdrop to celebrate the winners and highly commended shops in this year's Soroptimist International of Harrogate and District Shop Window Competition. The competition is part of the Club’s ongoing support for Harrogate at Christmas. The judging criteria were Illumination, Innovation and the Spirit of Christmas.  

The Mayor of Harrogate, Cllr Les Ellington and the Club President Claire Bostel presented the winner's certificate to Hoopers, for best Multinational with Jack Wills and Debenhams, highly commended; best Independent retailer went to Jespers of Harrogate with Julie Fitzmaurice, M Procter Optician and Sudo Attire highly commended. Cancer Research UK, Beulah Street is the winning charity shop with Oxfam and Cancer Research, Oxford Street highly commended.

The overall winner’s cup went to  Hoopers with Jespers of Harrogate receiving the runners up cup. Both shops were specifically commended on bringing the light to the outdoors as well as the shop window.

All the retailers contributed to support Harrogate at Christmas. Cllr John Fox, Chair of Harrogate at Christmas thanked the Mayor, the retailers, and the Soroptimists for their support in helping light up Harrogate this year.

See winners and some runner-up/commended shop windows below - more photos of the winners' certificates being presented are available on the Harrogate Chamber Facebook page

Retailers who wish to take part in the competition next year can do so by making a donation to the Harrogate at Christmas campaign. Send an e-mail to treasurer@harrogateatchristmas.org for more information.

CHRISTMAS SHOP WINDOW COMPETITION WINNERS 2011

CHRISTMAS SHOP WINDOW COMPETITION 2010

Soroptimist International of Harrogate & District became involved with Harrogate Christmas lights again last year and they organised the Christmas Shop Window Competition.

There were numerous entries in the three categories.  The winner of the Best Multi store retailer was Jack Wills in James Street; the Best Independent Retailer was Julie Fitzmaurice in Parliament Street; while the Best Charity Shop was Cancer Research UK in Beulah Street.  Highly Commended Awards were presented to The White Company, NuNu Maternity Wear and Jespers.

Soroptimist Val Hills said “Soroptimist International wanted to support the work of the Harrogate at Christmas Group and to encourage all businesses in the centre of Harrogate to put some extra effort in to enhance their Christmas displays.”

The 2011 Christmas Shop Window Competition will be judged on Friday 25th November and the trophies will be awarded to the winners by Cllr Les Ellington, Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate in the Mayor's Parlour on 29th November.  Photographs of the presentation and of each of the winning shop window displays will be featured in the local press and in future Harrogate at Christmas Newsletters and Press Supplements, ensuring ongoing publicity.

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