A Cowes bookshop has raised festive smiles this Christmas with a sparkling sign that appears to spell its own name wrong.
Above Medina Bookshop, shoppers have been greeted by a glittering display spelling out ‘BUCKSHOP’, set against a starry sky with a proud reindeer silhouetted at its centre.
Regular visitors may recall last year’s inventive Christmas tree, which was constructed entirely from disused car hubcaps – another example of the shop’s creative seasonal flair.
Bookshop manager Paul Armfield, who designed and created the sign, says the display is all part of celebrating Cowes’ independent High Street.
“Ours is just one of many creative and eye-catching displays in Cowes this Christmas. It’s a wonderful opportunity to provide some spectacle, some fun and entertainment on the High Street, to make people smile, and hopefully draw more shoppers to Cowes.”
“It’s immensely frustrating to retailers here to see queues of people at the Red Jet terminal waiting to do their shopping in Southampton, when on their doorstep they have one of the best and most unique collections of shops in the country.”
“Name another town with so few empty shops, so few charity shops, no vape shops, no mobile phone shops, but instead almost a mile of wonderful and varied independents, with just a handful of choice chain outlets, all offering a brilliantly bespoke selection of gifts.”
“It’s a much more personalised shopping experience – you are far more likely to find something unique and interesting, while supporting businesses that in turn give something back to their community.”
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“Moreover, where West Quays is full of homogeneous and overpriced restaurant chains, Cowes has a wide and superlative selection of eateries. The price of a Red Jet ticket could buy you lunch.”
He added that Cowes takes on a particularly special atmosphere during the festive season.
“The narrow pedestrianised streets, the lights, and the two lovely Christmas trees make Cowes feel particularly cosy and Christmassy. There’s a real feeling of community too, which culminates with our traditional Carol Recital by the Medina Community Choir.”
“The shopkeepers in the vicinity stay open, with many of them offering seasonal treats. It’s an event that has grown each year, attracts hundreds of people and raises a good amount for charity. It’s magical!”
The Medina Bookshop Carol Recital takes place at 17:00 on Sunday 21st December, around the Christmas tree at the bottom of Market Hill in Cowes.
