Bradford Garden Centre wins award for Christmas displays for the sixth time

The Editor -

Festive displays at a Bradford garden centre have been named the best in the North East of England by a horticultural trade association for the sixth time.

Tong Garden Centre was judged on the range, merchandising, marketing, presentation and displays of Christmas lines including trees, decorations, tableware, candles, giftware and food during the Garden Centre Association's (GCA) recent inspection for its annual Christmas Competition.

Winners are selected for their ability to demonstrate a real ‘wow factor' by highlighting their product range with innovative and inspirational displays that create excitement and a festive ambience. The judges singled out the centre's ‘value for money' for special commendation and awarded an unprecedented 20/20 for the Tong Lane centre's product range.

Tong's commercial director Sharon McNair said: "Congratulations to everyone - it's a great result and very well deserved. Christmas at Tong really is a massive team effort and every department within the centre has contributed to this amazing result.

"Winning this award for the sixth time is testament to the team's skill and ongoing commitment to giving our customers one of the most memorable Christmas experiences in Yorkshire."

GCA judge, Phil McGann, said: "Tong Garden Centre is a super busy centre emphasising value for money accompanied by great creativity. A big building to create atmosphere but staff are super, displays great and food hall good. Christmas is well represented throughout the centre. A delight to visit - thanks."

Established in 1966, the GCA champions professionalism in garden centre retailing. Every year, its members throughout the UK and Northern Ireland must undergo a comprehensive annual inspection to ensure they continue to meet the stringent criteria set out by the association and therefore maintain membership.

Tong Garden Centre occupies a 19-acre site in Tong village. It is one of Yorkshire's biggest independent garden centres with 125,000 square feet of retail space and parking for up to 700 cars. Next year, Tong's sister site at Tingley will be eligible to join the competition.