Shopfront Awards

Spring 2026 Shopfront of the Season Awards - five finalists announced

Dorchester Town Council and Dorchester Business Improvement District (BID) are pleased to announce the five finalists for the Spring 2026 Dorchester Shopfront of the Season Awards. This spring’s competition drew an impressive 190 nominations, reflecting the enthusiasm residents have for the independent businesses that brighten the town.

Finalists were nominated by the public based on the following criteria:

• Sympathetic to the heritage setting and conservation area
• Accessible and inclusive
• Inviting and welcoming
• Well maintained
• Attractive and distinctive window display

The five businesses with the highest number of nominations have now been shortlisted. The are Wedding Time Bridal Salon and Men’s Formalwear, Nikki’s Little Play Café, Bells Hair Salon, The Wooden Floor Specialists (Dorset) Ltd, and Loving by Nature.

Wedding Time Bridal Salon and Men’s Formalwear received the highest number of nominations, with residents praising its elegant seasonal displays, the charm of its Grade II listed frontage, and the joy its spring window brings to passers‑by. The owners spoke proudly of maintaining the building’s historic character while creating simple, colourful displays that draw people in and spark conversations about the shop’s heritage.

Nikki’s Little Play Café was celebrated not only for its inviting and inclusive window—despite having limited display space—but also for its role as a vital community hub for families. Nominators highlighted the café’s imaginative, screen‑free play environment, its commitment to accessibility, and the delight its window brings to children who pass by.

Bells Hair Salon earned admiration for its consistently colourful and creative displays, which change with the seasons and special occasions. Many noted the owner’s personal dedication, describing the salon as warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed both inside and out.

The Wooden Floor Specialists (Dorset) Ltd were recognised for their sympathetic transformation of an older building and the friendly, family‑run service that complements their smart, appealing frontage. Nominators described the business as outstanding in both presentation and customer care.

Loving by Nature was praised for its strong community involvement and the remarkable dedication of its owner, who balances running the shop with raising three children. Residents described the business as a valued independent retailer that consistently goes above and beyond to help customers.

All five finalists will receive certificates and promotional recognition. The judging panel—comprising the Mayor of Dorchester, representatives from Dorchester BID, the Chair of the Town Centre Action Group, and the winner of the Winter Awards (Creative Image Studios) will now be visiting each finalist to judge and select the overall winner.

The winning business will receive:

• A cash prize jointly funded by Dorchester Town Council and Dorchester BID
• A printed certificate and digital winner’s badge
• An invitation to serve as a guest judge in the next season

The winner will be announced soon. Stay tuned and help us celebrate the businesses that make Dorchester Town Centre shine.

Winner announced in the Winter 2025 Shopfront of the Season Awards!

Dorchester Town Council and Dorchester Business Improvement District (BID) are delighted to announce that Creative Image Studios in Antelope Walk has been crowned the winner of the Dorchester Shopfront of the Season Awards – Winter Edition. Creative Image Studios have won a cash prize of £500 and will be invited to be a guest judge for the Spring Shopfront of the Season Awards in 2026.

Tyra Goosen, owner of Creative Image Studios said “This award means so much to use because it truly belongs to our students. Every single element in the window was made by them, with everyone contributing in their own way – painting, decorating, ad generously donating lights and baubles. We are going to put the prize towards upgrading our studio hearing and lighting, helping us keep the space warm, welcoming and accessible for everyone who comes through our doors. What emerged was something far more meaningful than a display: a shared creative effort that brough people together and reflected the care our community has for this historic town. We’re incredibly proud of our students and deeply thankful to Dorchester Town Council and Dorchester BID for recognising the hear, inclusivity and community spirit behind it.”

The finalists were:

• Creative Image Studios on Antelope Walk – 67 nominations
• Tom Browns pub on High East Street – 39 nominations
• Mutt Everything Dog in Brewery Square – 20 nominations
• Head 2 Head Hair Design on Trinity Street – 19 nominations
• Temple Hill Property Management on High West Street – 19 nominations

Winner announced in the Autumn 2025 Shopfront of the Season Awards!

Dorchester Town Council and Dorchester Business Improvement District (BID) are delighted to announce that Serenity Nails & Beauty on High West Street has been crowned the winner of the inaugural Dorchester Shopfront of the Season Awards – Autumn Charm Edition. Serenity Nails & Beauty have won a cash prize of £500 and will be invited to be a guest judge for the Winter Shopfront of the Season Awards.

Judges Cllr Les Fry, Chair of the Town Centre Action Group and Nick Rawlings, Dorchester BID Director commented that “Serenity have created a beautiful Autumnal window display and whole frontage is bright and welcoming. The building is well maintained, has level access and the shop sits well in the street scene.”

The judges visited the five businesses that received the highest number of public nominations and were “thrilled with the number of nominations from the public and very proud of Dorchester and all of the wonderful businesses that were nominated”.

A total of 313 nominations were received overall for 43 town centre businesses. The Winner Serenity received glowing praise in the online public nomination forms, with comments highlighting their immaculate seasonal displays, welcoming staff, and commitment to brightening up the high street. Many noted how their thoughtful decorations bring joy throughout the year, from Christmas to Easter, Halloween to Summer.

Sharon Page, Owner of Serenity Nails & Beauty said “I’m absolutely thrilled to have won — it’s such a lovely surprise! I was already so pleased just to be one of the five finalists, but to actually win is overwhelming. I want to say a big thank you to all our wonderful clients who voted for us. We’ve been creating seasonal window displays for almost 21 years now, and it’s something we really love doing. It’s all about bringing a bit of colour and joy to our clients, our staff, and everyone in Dorchester who passes by. Dorchester is such a wonderful place to work and visit. We’ve already started working on our Christmas window — I can’t wait to share that next! And well done to all the other businesses who took part — it means a lot to be part of such a creative community.”