The holidays are here, and Salem is dressed for the season with trees, wreaths, and ribbons. To top it off, over 35 downtown businesses have decorated their windows especially for the holidays. Judges nominated by Salem Main Streets made the rounds last week 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 give the judges the freedom to create new award categories based on what they see each particular year – but even then, and with a record-breaking number of participating windows, we didn’t manage to squeeze in all the windows we loved!”
Some award categories highlight good retail design – use of store products or display of a business’ services – or types of design, like most traditional. “I was especially impressed by how much work and detail went into so many of this year’s windows,” said Sullivan. “I encourage everyone to take their time and look closely at the competing windows to see how many fine details went into the trees and tableaus.”
A full set of images can be found online at https://bit.ly/3BxnqFJ.
Best Overall: Hive & Forge
Runner-up: Mark Your Spot
Best Traditional: Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry
Runner-up: Emporium 32
Honorable Mention: Partridge in a Bear Tree
Best Dark Holiday : Vampfangs
Runner-up: Nocturne
Honorable Mention: The Ossuary
Best Use of Product: The Good Witch of Salem
Runner-up: Moody’s Home & Gifts
Most Amusing (TIE!): Coven and Pamplemousse
Best Wearable Window: ReFind
Runner-up: Salem Bespoke Boutique
Honorable Mention: Modern Millie
Best Design: HausWitch
Runner-up: Gulu Gulu Café
Honorable Mention: Badabing Barbershop and Shave Parlor
BONUS – Best Non-Window Display: Die With Your Boots On
