11:01am Monday 26th July 2010
By Helen Perkins
A SOUTH Lakeland gift specialists has scooped a national award for its top class window displays.
A birthday themed exhibit impressed renowned pottery designer Emma Bridgewater, who crowned Cumbrian business owner Debbie Henderson as queen of the competition.
The creative director, who owns two stores called The Attic in Grasmere and Ambleside, stood out from 80 other pottery stockists.
She said: “Companies from across the UK which stock Emma’s range of pottery were all invited to design a window to mark the 25th birthday celebration of her brand.
“We wanted to stand out so our staff went all out and made a design with a bit of a story to it, with her bird-themed designs linked into a miniature scene, with a little bird box and candles.”
The Attic shops, which employ six staff, started up two years ago. Ms Henderson said creative thinking had helped them win their latest accolade and it had also brought them through tough economic times.
“We try to go the extra mile to get unusual and nostalgic gift items for Cumbria - we even go to Paris to source unusual and exclusive presents.
“People are amazed I have opened two shops during the recession but by sourcing unusual foreign products we have managed to get an edge over our competition.”
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