Window shopping

A group of local independent retailers took a trip to London after taking part in a shop window dressing competition.

The ‘city safari’ was organised after 30 retailers took part in a training programme designed to maximise sales during the busy run up to Christmas.

The programme involved training on visual merchandising in-store and shop window dressing techniques, followed up with a visit to judge the window displays.

Four winning stores were selected and taken on the trip this month to gain inspiration and ideas from some of the best shop windows in the capital.

Joanne Matthews from Best Dressed of Littleborough said it was a brilliant day: “We can’t wait to now implement some of the ideas we saw down in our shop. I was really inspired.”

Susan Greenhalgh of La Fleur, Middleton said the training has really helped: “It’s helped our business and shown us exciting new ways of doing things. It’s great that the council are supporting shop local with this kind of training which can really make a difference.”