Shops in Andover are looking forward to a “promising” future as non-essential retail reopens today (April 12). Non-essential retailers have had to close their physical premises during lockdown, though have been able to operate online during the pandemic. Businesses speaking to the Advertiser said that customers were already coming back to see them. Dave Stanbridge, from Tip Top Balloons, said: “It’s nice to have everyone back in. We’ve seen both new and loyal and existing customers, and we’re quite pleased with that.” Steve Godwin, Andover BID Manager, agreed, saying it reflected the wider business community’s view. “Today’s reopening has been absolutely fantastic,” he said. “All the businesses have reported the town has an incredible buzz.”
The winner of Andover’s Christmas window competition has been announced following a closely fought contest. Mooch, on Bridge Street, emerged victorious after judges deemed it the best dressed window in town. In one category, the ‘wow factor’, it was just one point off top marks, achieving 39 out of 40 from the judging panel. The shop now receives a £200 cash prize to donate to a charity of their choice, as well as a certificate and small personal prize from the BID. In addition, Andover BID, who organised the contest, said that “the overall standard of all entries was exceptionally high this year,” so they awarded a second place certificate to C&M DIY and a third place certificate for The Travelling Cupcake, for the use of lighting and inventive use of materials respectively.