A CHRISTMAS triumph is the perfect 2013 finale for a Northwich shop whose time in Witton Street is drawing to a close.

Gaynor’s Curtain Magic has been named the best dressed festive window in Northwich town centre after it won the public vote in the Guardian’s annual competition.

The 10-year-old business, whose magical window depicted Santa climbing down a chimney, closed for its Christmas break on Friday, December 20, and will reopen again in new premises in High Street in January.

Gaynor, also a Cheshire West and Chester councillor, said: “The Christmas window is the highlight of the year.

“We like it all because the business is seasonal so all the patterns and designs, and our window, are geared around spring, summer, autumn and winter.

“Each one is good in it’s own right and interesting, but Christmas has got the edge.”

The window was designed by Janet Hinchcliffe and dressed by Beccie Hunt.

Janet said: “We are just dead chuffed.”

The shop window competition, run in conjunction with Northwich Town Council, started two years ago as part of the Guardian’s Save Our Shops campaign to promote independent traders.

Gaynor’s Curtain Magic is moving to the former Mortgage People shop at 13 High Street, in the Bull Ring, and will reopen early in the New Year.

Gaynor said she is moving the business to make it more cost effective and secure.

“It concurs with a trend for downsizing and reducing overheads,” she said.

“I pay £20,000 in rent and rates and that’s a lot of money to find out of my profits.

“Now my rent and rates will be half that so my business will be more secure.”

She said the proximity to the new Waitrose and its car park were a big attraction to the new premises as well as being next to the Bull Ring.

As founder of Northwich Independent Retailers Association (NIRA), Gaynor has also helped organise Christmas trees for fellow traders to have in brackets on their shops.