A general merchants shop in Co Tyrone has forged a reputation as having one of the best Christmas shops in the area, having run the festive showroom for more than 25 years.
A E Kenwells in the village of Dromore has been around for more than 100 years, and takes its Christmas festivities seriously.
Opening this year on 14 October, David Kenwell says the family business works year round to ensure shoppers enjoy its winter wonderland in the lead up to the big day.
The popular shop has visitors from all across Ireland and the UK visiting every year, with more than 35,000 different decorations available.
“We’ve been gradually growing the business from just a drop in shop to a destination shop," he said.
“About five or six years ago we really set out that we wanted it to be a destination shop, and we would do something different that you just don’t see in ordinary retail.
“We have a visual display and we can see everything, every decoration. We have over 35,000 decorations on display.
“We’re very lucky, we get people literally that come from the length and breadth of Ireland and people that come from the UK as well.
“People do travel, people get very excited and very passionate about Christmas. Our plan was to take adults back to their Christmas memories that people cherish."
David added that the middle of October usually sees an official launch night for the shop, but this year they have opted for a soft launch due to the pandemic.
He said there will always be plenty of demand for Christmas trees and decorations from early in autumn.
“There’s people who would buy Christmas stuff in July if they could,” David said.
“There are a lot of traditionalists who don’t like Christmas until 1 December, it’s everybody’s opinion.
“We’re not making people buy but we’re giving them the option if they want to come and see.
“We find a lot of people will come to look at new trends and new themes, then they’ll go home and maybe go to their attic and see what they have.
“By coming early they’re maybe not shopping but they are window shopping.”
The family is glad to see the return of more customers this year after a difficult festive period in 2020.
“A lot of people have suffered and have gone through hard times, and they like to come in here and see all the decorations and emulate that in their home," he said.
“With Covid you didn’t know if you were going to open your doors and nobody was going to come in or open your doors and have a very big crowd.
“People hold Christmas very dear to their heart and they like to go that bit extra special.”
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