CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Five downtown Charleston businesses are being recognized for their holiday window displays.
The Charleston Area Alliance announced the winners of their inaugural Holiday Window Display Contest during Art After Dark at the Clay Center Thursday night.
More than two dozes businesses participated in the contest by decking their storefronts in lights, tinsel trim, Christmas trees and more.
Awards were distributed for People’s Choice, voted for online by the community, along with awards for specialized categories including Best Use of Merchandising, Best Theme, Most Original and Best Overall.
The winners for this year include:
- Best Use of Merchandising: The Dressmaker’s Closet
- Best Theme: Tops Off Barber Shop Salon and Spa
- Most Original: Oddbird a Gift Emporium
- Best Overall: Tony The Tailor
- People’s Choice: Cooporris18, LLC
Dave Cooper with the design firm Cooporris18 said their theme focused on being home for the holidays.
“We did candy jars with fire ply lights and a Christmas tree. We brought in some common elements like snowflakes, decorations and packages you would see in most homes and then we brought some unique furniture in,” Cooper said.
In addition to the award, Cooper’s firm get to air a special advertising package on WCHS-TV.
“I’m tickled to death. We’re a young business. We’re in our third year, so this is a great opportunity for us,” he said.
Scott Spencer, owner of Tops Off Barber Shop Salon and Spa, said he likes getting involved in the community and this contest was a great way to do that.
“I’ve been downtown now for eight years and I like to take part in the community and activities. Being who I am, and I’m very competitive, so I was like yes I want to win something,” he said.
The barber shop created a Betty Boop Rockin’ Around the Christmas tree themed display.
“We put her up in the window, put a Christmas tree and put decorations — all these little party lights and her holding a Coca Cola because we offer free beverages at our shop and she has a little waitress dress on,” Spencer said.
The window decorations will be on display through the New Year.