Tong lights up Christmas once again with award-winning displays

Festive displays at a Bradford garden centre have been named the best in the North East of England by a horticultural trade association for the fourth year running.

Tong Garden Centre was judged on the range, merchandising, marketing, presentation and displays of Christmas lines including trees, decorations, tableware, candles, giftware and food during the Garden Centre Association's (GCA) recent inspection for its annual Christmas Competition.

Not only did the team at Tong win the prestigious accolade for a fourth consecutive year, but they were awarded a score of 91.73%, 7 percentage points higher than last year's winning score. 

Winners are selected for their ability to demonstrate a real ‘wow factor' by showcasing their product range with innovative and inspirational displays that create excitement and a festive ambience.

Tong's Commercial Director Sharon McNair said: "Congratulations to everyone - it's a great result and very well deserved. Christmas at Tong really is a massive team effort and every department within the centre has contributed to this amazing result.The GCA class a score between 80-90% as excellent to outstanding,so you can imagine just how thrilled we are to be above outstanding!

"Winning this award for the fourth year is testament to the team's skill and ongoing commitment to giving our customers the most memorable Christmas experience."

GCA judge Alyson Haywood said:"Oh wow! Christmas at Tong is beautifully laid out in a strong spacious creative manner that inspires customers to achieve the look in their own homes. Whether it's lights to decorate your house or tree, toys for the children or collectable lit villages for the grown ups, Tong has it all. Congratulations to the Team at Tong."

Established in 1966, the GCAchampions professionalism in garden centre retailing. Every year, its 200 members throughout the UK and Northern Ireland must undergo a comprehensive annual inspection to ensure they continue to meet the stringent criteria set out by the association and therefore maintain membership.

Tong Garden Centre's Christmas offering includes a new grotto experience, tasting events in the Food Hall and extended opening hours.

Ends

Photo:(L-R) John Bamforth, Anne Harris, Matthew Inman, Zoe Whitehead (Buyer), Jenny Shaw, Janice Astbury, Dennis Keen The team at Tong celebrate their GCA award

For more information or to arrange an interview with a spokesman from Tong,please contact Tracey Baty at three60 marketing on:

Direct line:01430 871360

Mobile:07971 961574

E mail:traceybaty@three60marketing.co.uk

Web:www.three60marketing.co.uk

Notes to editors

1.      For more information about Tong Garden Centre, please visitwww.tonggardencentre.co.ukand see the centre'sFacebook,Twitter,Instagramandnewsonline.

2.      Tong Garden Centre is one of the largest independent garden centres in Yorkshire, located near Bradford in West Yorkshire. It occupies a17-acre site near Tong village.Anoutdoor plant department and shopping departments filled with garden furniture, gifts, home accessories and leading brands spread across110,000 square feet of retail space. Also on-site is the Coffee Shop, Orchard Restaurant, children's outdoor adventure playground Grass Hoppers and a newly refurbished food hall.

3.      For more information about the Garden Centre Association, please visitwww.gca.org.uk.