Fenwick’s Newcastle flagship store unveils a captivating 2024 Christmas display, inspired by the classic carol ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’.
- Crafted by Propability, the display tells the story of Foggy, a partridge with a Christmas wish, reimagined by Chris Riddell.
- Visitors embark on a magical journey through various scenes, starting from the Broom Cupboard of Santa’s workshop.
- Fenwick’s Chief Marketing Officer expresses hope that the display brings storytelling joy to families.
- Despite festive cheer, Fenwick reports a challenging financial year, with notable pre-tax losses.
Fenwick’s flagship store in Newcastle has embraced the festive spirit with an imaginative display for Christmas 2024. This year’s theme reimagines the beloved carol ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ through the creative lens of author and illustrator Chris Riddell. The enchanting display, open to the public from 4 November, invites visitors to explore the heartwarming tale of Foggy, a partridge determined to fulfil his Christmas wish.
Produced by the British family-owned design firm, Propability, the display transports visitors into a whimsical world. The journey begins in the Broom Cupboard of Santa’s workshop, where Foggy cares for his pear tree. As visitors move through the scenes, they witness Foggy’s adventures as he strives to meet Santa.
Fenwick’s Chief Marketing Officer, Mia Fenwick, highlights the transformative power of storytelling that the display offers. She expresses a desire for people to experience the joy and wonder, either in person at the store or digitally, reinforcing the festive season’s shared experiences among families and friends.
Away from the enchanting Christmas window, Fenwick has faced a tumultuous end of the year. The department store chain reported a pre-tax loss of £28.4 million for the year ending 26 January 2024. This contrasts with the previous year’s pre-tax profit of £57.1 million, which was bolstered by the sale of their New Bond Street store for £430 million in December 2022.
Further challenges arose as Nigel Blow, who was appointed as the incoming chief executive in July, decided not to take up the position. These developments paint a picture of a retail sector grappling with broader economic challenges, reflecting the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and a shifting retail landscape.
Fenwick’s Christmas display brings festive joy amidst a challenging financial backdrop.