A sure sign that the festive season is upon us, Farnham’s Victorian department store Elphicks put up its Christmas window displays in West Street last week – adding a bit of sparkle to the town centre.
The department store’s window display was created by visual display merchandiser Julia Cronk, who has worked with Elphicks for many years.
“I started at Hoopers straight from school where I trained as a visual merchandiser for three years,” said Julia. “I have worked at stores such as Littlewoods, Chelsea Girl, and House of Fraser from 1985 to 2007.”
Each year Elphick’s follows a strict brief when creating its Christmas window displays:
- To be distinctive and memorable.
- To ensure everyone of all ages will want to look at its windows.
- Elphicks’ broad product range is promoted.
“Our windows combine festivity, with style as well as appeal for all the family,” said Alan Bushnell, group managing director at Elphicks.
“Elphicks is a key store of the town, so we look forward each year to playing a part in ensuring that the town is festive and celebratory.”
Julia added: “Having worked with Elphicks for many years and knowing the sizes of the windows, there are thankfully very few challenges and we try and order all equipment well in advance to avoid delays.”
Mr Bushnell hopes Elphicks’ glittering display will make everyone feel welcome to come inside the store and look around.
He said: “At Elphicks we’ve worked hard to ensure we have Christmas gifts for all pockets. Elphicks is also a place to meet and catch up with friends at our Heidi Bakery at Christmas, to take children to explore the toy department or to pop in to buy a Christmas card.”
Elphicks will also open its doors every Sunday in December, and with special Beauty Previews and a Christmas Style Masterclass also planned, the Farnham institution is pulling out all the stops to create a festive atmosphere in the run up to Christmas.
By Michelle Monaghan