by Phoebe Curtis
This Summer, local businesses are bring encouraged to compete against each other to find the best window display in Bedford. The theme of the competition is ‘summer fun’, with the aim to bring colour to Bedford town centre. The businesses are competing for ‘best dressed’ and ‘most improved’ window displays. The competition is being judged by members of the public, a mystery shopper and a retail expert.
The following businesses are taking part. See how many you can spot:
Grape Tree, Debenhams, Cancer Research, Cash Converters, Brooks, The Kiln, Goldings, Arcadia, Planet (Boutique), Kitchenalia, Charisma, Hanworth Interiors, The Rescue Centre, Age UK, Daisy May Florist, Urbanite Hair Ltd, Howorths Shoes, Humphriss & Burgess Optometrists, The Art Centre & Gallery, Michael R Peters, Alan Brunker Opticians, Lisa Bilotti Bridal Shop and Lady K’s
Dave the Mayor (in bikini) joins Maureen from the Art Centre with their window display entry.
You have until the 4th August to choose your favourite window display. You can vote here, by following the links from ‘Bedford Best Dressed Competition’ Facebook page or you can pick up an entry form in a participating shop, Bedford Library or the Tourist Information Centre.
Completed forms should be handed to participating retailers or put it in the ballot boxes at Bedford Central Library and Borough Hall from the 15th July. All voters will also be entered into a prize draw and be in with a chance of winning one of two £25 Love Bedford vouchers.
The three categories that the windows are being judged on are:
· Best Dressed Independent Retailer
· Best Dressed Chain Store/Franchise
· Best Dressed Charity Shop
This competition follows on from the window display workshop offered to town centre businesses by Bedford’s Portas Town Team and run by window display experts ‘Made You Look’. Businesses that attended the course will also participate in a ‘Mystery shop’ event too.
citizenbedford 