BOUQUETS of praise have gone to a young Dunstable florist who has just won the town’s Christmas Shop Front Competition – for the second year running.
Judges who acted as ‘mystery shoppers’ were enchanted by the fabulous festive scene at The Flower Corner, owned by Robyn Manning.
A magical transformation turned the Eleanor’s Cross store window into a stunning spectacle, now voted the town’s Most Festive Christmas Shop Front.
Passers-by just had to stop to admire the snowy mountain, igloo, penguins, polar bears, wrapped ‘presents’, Christmas trees adorned with blue lights, and much more.
Dunstable Town Council and the Dunstable Joint Committee organised the contest, now in its fourth year.
And your Dunstable Gazette sponsored the event, offering a free quarter-page advert for the winner.
Delighted Robyn, 20, was thrilled by her second win. She said: “It’s fantastic!”
She launched the business in September, 2010, following college floristry studies.
As well as bouquets and floral arrangements, the store also sells jewellery, balloons, teddy bears and gifts, including soap, candles and perfumes.
Its ‘chocolate bouquets’ for the sweetest of gestures are popular around the UK.
Robyn also offers ‘cupcake’ bouquets of either 15 or seven cakes.
She is always looking for imaginative new ideas to keep shoppers interested in checking out the shop’s range of products.
Robyn said: “Now the word is out that we are here, we are very busy, especially at peak times.”
Dunstable mayor Councillor Claire Meakins-Jell and Councillor Nigel Young, chairman of the joint committee, judged the 18 entries.
Mr Young said: “The purpose of the contest is to encourage local businesses to think imaginatively about the use of their premises, both to enhance their trade and to maximise the positive impact of the business on our high street.
“While this is especially important at Christmas, it is an essential element to attract shoppers year-round.
“I would like to extend my congratulations to The Flower Corner, one of the newest retailers in the contest, and also to all of those who took part.”
Shop fronts were judged on festivity, originality and use of space.
Judges faced a tough task, thanks to the high standard set by the entrants.
High scores were also earned by the Elaine Sullivan-Child salon and ‘suburban spa’, in High Street South/Ashton Square; Boadicea’s Boutique, in West Street; The Sweet Station, in High Street North; and the Barnet Fayre salon, in Queensway.
A special commendation was awarded to Dunstable Community Church for both its Christmas display and the creative use of the church’s window throughout the year.
Several new businesses were represented in the competition this year, alongside established retailers.
Now it is hoped that the shop front competition can be developed further in future years, to give the area a boost and help promote businesses and organisations.
> For more information on events, activities and initiatives in Dunstable town centre, check out the town council website, at www.dunstable.gov.uk.