Yorkshire Soap Company wins Harrogate Christmas shop window contest

Last updated Dec 8, 2023

Jane Fletcher celebrates success for the Yorkshire Soap Company.

The Yorkshire Soap Company has won this year’s Harrogate Christmas Shop Window Competition.

The shop on James Street’s woodland-themed window took the medium shop category prize and then claimed the overall title at an awards ceremony at the Crown Hotel last night.

Sophie Likes on Beulah Street won the small shop category and Bettys on Parliament Street claimed the large shop title.

Jane Fletcher, manager of the Yorkshire Soap Company, said it was “an absolute thrill” to win the contest for a first time, especially as it was up against retail giants like Bettys.

She added:

“When people bring children to see the window and you see they are pointing and laughing at it then it is something magical.”

The annual awards, again organised by the Rotary Club of Harrogate and sponsored by Harrogate Business Improvement District, attracted about 30 entrants.

Clare Granger, the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, presented the awards along with Mervyn Darby, president of the Rotary Club of Harrogate and Dan Siddle, chair of Harrogate BID.

Graham Saunders, who organised the judging on behalf of The Rotary Club, said:

“The judges could see the incredible effort those who entered the competition put into their displays, and I’m sure the public also appreciate the work done by business owners to help Harrogate looks its very best for the festive season.

Matthew Chapman, the manager of Harrogate BID, said:

“Since it featured on the Channel 5 documentary ‘Harrogate: A Yorkshire Christmas’ the shop window competition has continued to thrive, and it’s the businesses who take part that we have to thank for its ongoing success.

“The town centre shops, cafes and hotels have been beautifully presented this year, with the competition giving an incentive for business to go all-out.