A WOKINGHAM shop is spreading Christmas cheer after being given permission to open again this year.
Georgina Hustler-Sutton, owner of Wokingham’s Antique Rose and Maison Rustic, had previously been told that her Christmas shop would not be given permission to open this year.
Based in the old Wallis site at the end of Bush Walk, the shop had been left unoccupied after Ms Hustler-Sutton was asked to leave in August to make way for new tenants.
“My customers have been asking daily why we couldn’t use the space for a Christmas shop with some of them pretty angry that the space was vacant,” she said. “The Christmas shop is such a focus for the town in the run up to Christmas and to many it simply made no sense.
“I had pretty much given up all hope of being allowed to trade here again after several requests to the council, of which I receive no response.”
The self-professed high-street champion said that an eleventh-hour decision by Wokingham Borough Council meant that she could open doors to the Winter wonderland again.
She had been allowed to use the site as a window display since the summer, but trading was off the cards to make way for new tenants.
Ms Hustler-Sutton has had shops in Bush Walk since 2010. Her Christmas Shop was open for seven weeks last year.
“All our customers loved the magical space we created, especially after the year we’d had due to lockdown and covid restrictions,” she said. “They have been asking daily since the summer if we’d be having the Christmas Shop again this year.”
If not granted the former Wallis space, she was hoping to open in the former New Look premises. Although this fell through.
“I’m not sure what or who changed the council’s mind, but I’m delighted about this last minute u-turn.
“It was a mad rush to open as we only had a week’s notice and couldn’t move until after Wokingham’s Winter Carnival.”
Ms Hustler-Sutton said that her team created a magical winter wonderland in just two days.
“I’m over the moon and so are our wonderful customers,” she said. “I want to thank everyone for their continued support, and I just hope everyone gets to visit the space before the big day.”
The Christmas Shop stocks a range of decorations and gift ideas, including trees, wreaths, lights, and garlands.
“Whatever your Christmas style, we’ve got it covered,” Ms Hustler-Sutton added. “From traditional and rustic, to colourful or subtle, there’s something for everyone.”
She said that this year, she has extended her popular festive Gonk Collection, which are now now available on a three for two offer alongside Christmas tree decorations.
The shop is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays, until Christmas Eve.
Hustler-Sutton said that the shop will be open between Christmas and New Year if there is any stock left.
