Houston Homewares claim £1,000 prize in Christmas window competition

Houston Homewares claimed top spot in the Strabane BID Christmas window-dressing competition following an online vote.

The Strabane business claimed the £1,000 first prize, followed by Floral Bliss who won £500, and Classic Beauty in third, winning £250.

In total 12 Strabane business​es entered the competition, dressing their windows in bounds of red, green and gold tinsel, glitter and stars, with a few appearances from Santa Claus as well.

The competition was set up by Strabane BID in November to engage with local traders and the public in order to create a festive atmosphere in the town centre.

Photos of each shop window were published on Facebook, and the public voted for their winners. This was combined with a Christmas selfie competition, where members of the public could take a selfie outside their favourite Christmas window.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Brian Tierney, said the initiative was a fun and light-hearted way to bring some Christmas spirit to the streets of Strabane over December.

"Although in essence this was a competition, really this was about lifting spirits in the lead up to Christmas and spreading some festive joy.

"The team at Strabane BID were aware that 2020 in particular was a massive challenge for local businesses and so they came up with this idea to try and lift morale, to bring people into the town centre and to give something back to those traders who have worked so hard despite all the obstacles thrown their way," said Mayor Tierney.

"By taking part in the competition, those local businesses helped to create a fantastic Christmas trail throughout the town, sparking joy for passers-by, both children and adults alike, and generally creating an atmosphere that allowed us all to forget about everything we faced in 2020 and just embrace the Christmas spirit.

"I want to congratulate our winners Houston Homewares, as well as Floral Bliss and Classic Beauty, and every single business who took part."