All-year-round Christmas shop named among UK best

A Somerset shop that sells Christmas decorations all year round has been named as one of the best Christmas shops in the UK by a national newspaper.

Old Rowlands Christmas Shop, in Cheddar, was one of only seven shops chosen nationwide for the honour by the Times and was praised for its festive charm.

Customers have described the store as a "Christmas heaven", with a wide range of decorations and gifts.

Owner Katherine Lacoste said the recognition was a "huge honour" and credited years of hard work for the success.

Ms Lacoste said: "We're so thrilled. Over the last six years, we've built the business into what it is today, and this feels wonderful."

She opened the shop with her husband, Barry, in 2021 and explained that the business had transformed over time.

"When I bought the shop it had a grotto and it had been like that for a very long time.

"The shop sold giftware and decorations. After we opened, all the customers were coming in and saying they loved the shop so much.

"They would always come and buy their Christmas decorations here every year, no matter what sort of time of year it was, and I thought why are we selling giftware when everyone wants to come and buy Christmas. This is crazy."

The shop gradually switched to selling only Christmas products and Ms Lacoste said the response was overwhelmingly positive.

"Everyone loves it," she said. "We've built a huge following of fans who come back every year.

"We've created something for everyone. Whether you want Santa riding a dinosaur or something hand-painted and elegant, we have it all."

Ms Lacoste said the shop's success relied on careful planning, with products sourced as early as January.

She added locals and visitors had supported the shop this year, cementing its reputation as a festive destination whatever the season.

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