Cork toy shop's window wins award for Christmas display

One of Cork’s best-loved toy shops has been recognised for its effort in bringing an extra touch of seasonal sparkle to the city centre.

Pinocchio’s on Paul St has been unveiled as the overall winner of the inaugural Cork Business Association’s Christmas display competition. An attraction all year round, Pinocchio’s magical front window really comes into its own at Christmas time with a display capturing the imaginations of young and old alike.

Owner Christel Stansfield said they started planning their window display after Halloween.

“We love creating our Christmas windows,” she said. “As a toy shop, we want to reflect the magic of Christmas and we like to keep the window traditional so we always have lots of reds, greens, and golds.

“We have as many adults as children stopping to admire the display and that is reward in itself, receiving this award is the icing on the Christmas cake.”

More than 50 nominations from businesses, retailers, and Cork shoppers were received for the competition, run in conjunction with Cork City Council, with the task of picking the category winners and overall winner undertaken by a team of experienced judges.

The judges described the Pinocchio’s display as something that could only be described as “a labour of love that flows both ways between the owners and the people of Cork!”

They added: “The overall effect of these exciting windows is to grab your attention, but the real magic is the storytelling and attention to detail within.

“Pinocchio’s windows have triumphantly created a joyous customer experience, while adding a little magic to the festive atmosphere in the city.”

The winners were:

• Best Overall Christmas Display — Pinocchio’s, Paul St.
• Best Independent Window — Elegance Florists, Douglas Rd.
• Best Non-retail Window — Son of a Bun, MacCurtain St.
• Best Sustainable Window — Best of Buds, Winthrop St.
• Best Large Retailer Window — Brown Thomas.