FORGET the 12 days of Christmas, Woodley town centre manager Brian Fennelly wants you to focus on the 12 shop windows instead.
He has encouraged stores to take part in a festive contest for shoppers, which also includes Twyford, and Wokingham.
Shops taking part have created a festive-themed window display and a public vote will determine the winner. The closing date for entries is Monday, December 11.
Mr Fennelly is hoping honours will come to Woodley, were there are 12 shops taking part.
“This is the first time we’ve done this. Anyone can vote, just go to the Woodley Town Council or town centre websites, or search the Facebook groups to see the link, then click on it and use the simple voting form” he said.
“Please vote – we want to win this, and the way to win is to get as many votes as possible.”
He is delighted that stores have entered into the festive spirit by taking part, and feel it’s an important way to get people shopping locally.
“We all know the kind of challenges a lot of families are having so a free event like this is much appreciated.
“We do want people to shop locally. The shops in Woodley, like any on the high street, have found it really difficult over the past few years with the increasing challenges on the high street.
“Events like this bring people into town centres – and that’s what we need to do, put on events to make high streets more attractive. Expecting people to come in and just go to shops doesn’t work anymore.”
Despite that, Mr Fennelly is proud of the town, and what it can offer shoppers.
“Once again, we’ve come into Christmas with nearly every shop open. Not many high streets can say that – most have about 15%-20% of their shops closed. We’ve got just 3%. Most of our shops are taken.
“We’ve got a great variety, certainly for Christmas, with some fantastic gift opportunities.
“It’s a great place for people to shop in.”
Cllr David Cornish, executive member for business and economic development at Wokingham Borough Council, said it was great to see so many businesses taking part in the contest.
“We want to thank them for bringing sparkling, magical cheer to our village and town centres at this wonderful time of year,” he said.
“One of the best ways to support your local businesses is to explore these fantastic Christmas windows in person, before deciding the ones you like most.
“For those who don’t drive or prefer not to drive, why not take advantage of our free Saturday bus travel, which is available for all to enjoy in the run up to Christmas.”
For more details or to vote, log on to: https://engage.wokingham.gov.uk/en-GB/
