Awards look for the cream of shops' window displays

DAZZLING window displays are being celebrated in the Echo's awards for top shops.

Eye-catching designs have lit up Cheltenham in the run up to Christmas, and the Echo's Love to Shop awards has a prize for the most impressive.

looking in: Window display at Debenhams with manager Darren Ramseym and Beechwood manager Owen Acland
festive: Candles and More, with manager Rob Cooper

The Best Window Display category is sponsored by Beechwood Shopping Centre and will be given to both a national and independent store at an awards ceremony in February.

There will also be prizes for a host of categories at the awards supported by Cheltenham Borough Council.

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Debenhams in the Beechwood Shopping Centre is in the running for the national category for its display, which ties in with their Christmas TV advert.

Store manager Darren Ramsey said: "A good window display is about creating an inspiration to shop.

"Windows have to be the first thing that a customer notices, so it has to be eye-catching."

Mr Ramsey praised the Echo's awards, he added: "I think the awards will inspire shops to have better window displays across the town."

Candles and More, also in the Beechwood, is in with a chance of scooping the independent prize for its window display, which has a nature theme.

Owner Rob Cooper said: "A good window display promotes your best lines and makes people stop and want to go into the shop."

Beechwood manager Owen Acland said this category has great significance to him.

He said: "For me, the shop windows holistically add to the overall appearance and impression of the centre, so it's important that they look good."

Mr Acland believes the awards provide a real shot in the arm to the retail industry.

He said: "The awards are great for morale in local retail, because they highlight the hard work and creativity that is going on in shops in Cheltenham."