Cork businesses awarded for stellar Christmas displays

The winners of the inaugural Cork Business Association (CBA) Cork City Christmas Display competition were recently revealed, with a much-loved city shop taking home the top prize.

Organised by the CBA in partnership with Cork City Council, there were over 50 nominations from businesses, retailers, and Cork shoppers, which were considered by a team of experienced judges.

Brown Thomas on Patrick Street was awarded with the best large retail award.

Their windows and decorations were described as making a significant contribution to the festive atmosphere in Cork city centre.

Elegance Florists, Douglas Rd, was chosen as the winner of the best independent retail accolade.

The judging panel felt that the use of colours and props added a coherent theme and that it was a store full of personality.

The most sustainable display award went to Best of Buds, Winthrop Arcade, with a large degree of creativity and a love of the raw materials really standing out to the judges.

The winner of the best non-retail facade/window was Son Of A Bun.

“Creative and engaging, this window looks simple, but contains the best of balanced design, wonderful messaging and beautiful illustration,” the judging panel said of their selection for the award.

The winner of the best overall Christmas display was Pinocchio’s toy shop on Paul Street.

“The overall effect of these exciting windows is to grab your attention, but the real magic is the storytelling and attention to detail within,” the judges said.

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

“This competition is in recognition of the huge effort from retailers and non-retail businesses towards creating a joyful festive experience in Cork City centre,” head judge Lisa McCarthy of Spectrum Display said.

“We are delighted to have seen so much variety, creativity and personality in the displays, it truly reflects the energy and vibrancy of retail in Cork.”

Meanwhile, CBA president Aaron Mansworth said all of the displays “certainly add a sparkle and festive feel to the city”.

“We hope that this will become a feature of the CBA events calendar from now on,” he said.

“I would encourage everyone visiting the city centre, to soak up the atmosphere, admire the beautiful window displays and to shop locally.”

In regards to winning the overall title, Pinocchio’s Christel Stansfield said: “We love creating our Christmas windows and we started planning this window just after Halloween.

“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.”