Colchester’s independent gift shop Eclettico has set the gold standard with its award-winning window dressing design.

The Trinity Street shop’s winning window, decked out in gold, has scooped first prize in Destination Colchester’s Painting the Town Gold competition. The competition was to encourage firstsite visitors to explore Colchester on foot and discover some of the town’s other retail treasures on the way.

Shop manager Harriette Naylor’s design-led gift shop led dozens of entries - ranging from butchers to bookshops - who celebrated firstsite by decorating their shop windows with fabulous gold creations, designed to complement firstsite’s unique golden roof.

The competition runner-up is Maggie Morgan, landlady of the refurbished Little Crown bed and breakfast and pub in Short Wyre Street, who has re-launched the pub as a traditional family venue, supported by her daughter Bridgette who designed the pub shop window.  

The winning entry and the runner-up were each presented with a one-year business membership at firstsite, and the winner will also enjoy lunch for two at firstsite’s Musa restaurant.  

Fingringhoe-born Harriette Naylor said: “Winning the competition is such a thrill as it recognises all the hard work everyone has put into our lovely shop - it’s been a real team effort and we are looking forward to making the most of our firstsite business membership.”

Maggie Morgan welcomed her runner-up status as a fabulous reward for the huge amount of work she and her team have completed over 18 months to refurbish and relaunch The Little Crown.

firstsite’s Commercial Director Wayne Warner said: “firstsite is delighted with the response from local traders and we thank everyone who took part in the Destination Colchester competition.

“Colchester has always been a great place to shop and we are proud that firstsite is drawing thousands of new visitors to the town and opening up new commercial opportunities for everyone.”

Destination Colchester’s Chair, Bill Hayton, said: “It was great that so many businesses can see the benefits of firstsite in attracting new customers – and that so many visitors to firstsite make the most of the town’s wonderful shops.”

Other participants included Allen & Son butchers, The Colchester Barber Shop, Dilly at Abbots, Elizabeth Cannon Antiques, Frippery, GfB: the Colchester Bookshop, Horburys, Jeneveve, JeS, The Little Ice Cream Company, Miller Stationery, Red Lion Books, Simply Living, Tindalls Arts and Crafts and the VisitColchester Information Centre.