Dressed for the season with trees, wreaths, and ribbons, Salem is ready for the Holiday Season. In fact, over 20 downtown businesses have decorated their windows especially for the holidays as part of our traditional Holiday Window Contest. Judges nominated by Salem Main Streets recently did a little window shopping of their own to vote on the best windows.
“We had some truly fantastic windows this year, as always,” said Kylie Sullivan, Salem Main Streets Executive Director. “We gave the judges extra freedom to create new award categories based on what they saw this particular year.”
Some award categories highlight good retail design – use of product or use of light – while others highlighted types of participation or partnerships.
For example, the Contest Legacy award was given to businesses who have demonstrated high quality windows across consecutive years, while the Contest Newcomer recognized businesses with high quality displays who have not regularly participated in the contest.
And, the new Salem Spirit award recognized those who exemplified the true spirit of community in the design of their windows.
Without further ado, here are the winners:
Best Overall: The Happy Sunflower
Best Use of Product: Curtsy
Honorable Mention – Partridge in the Bear Tree
Best Use of Lighting: Emporium 32
Honorable Mention – Hair Express
Contest Legacy (demonstrating high quality year after year): ReFind Men’s
Honorable Mention – Pamplemousse
Contest Newcomer: Aroma Sanctum
Honorable Mention – Witch Pix
Salem Spirit: The Coven’s Cottage, nAGLY
If you haven’t looked at the windows yet, we recommend going this week, especially during Festive Fridays, when numerous businesses around the downtown have committed to staying open until 8 pm to aid in your holiday shopping. More information about Festive Fridays and participating businesses can be found at this location.
In addition, this year, you get a chance to win! Salem Main Streets is holding two social media competitions on Facebook and Instagram right now. Post a picture of your favorite #salemholidaywindows, or take a #selfiewithashopkeeper on Festive Friday nights, and you could win a prize from a local business.
For more information about the Holiday Window Contest, contact Kylie Sullivan, Salem Main Streets Executive Director, at (978)744-0004 or kylie@salemmainstreets.org, and follow Salem Main Streets on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
