The massive Christmas shop which has become a Welsh tourist attraction re-opens fully for first time since pandemic

[Rob Thompson]

The massive Christmas shop which has become a Welsh tourist attraction re-opens fully for first time since pandemic

Source - WalesOnline

By - Morgan Hughes

Date 03-10-2021

Wales' most magical Christmas shop, Seasons, has re-opened this weekend.

And, like always, stepping foot into the shop is like stepping into winter wonderland or Santa's grotto, despite the rain outside.

The Bridgend-based Christmas shop opened its doors for the 2021 Christmas season on Saturday, October 2.

A family-run business for over 20 years, it can attribute its welcoming atmosphere in part to Father Christmas on the door spending time with children and getting to know them individually.
The store on the Brynmenyn Industrial Estate in Bridgend started life selling mostly garden and household furniture. But since it launched the festive side of the business 20 years ago, it's become a huge part of the shop's brand.

Stocking more than 15,000 decorative items, with everything from trees to baubles to gifts, they've got it all at Seasons Christmas Outlet.

There are also a number of animatronic reindeer and children can leave their letter in Santa’s post-box.

Seasons attracts thousands from around the UK and is a sign that Christmas is coming.

Last year their famous grotto was closed due to Covid restrictions, with many regular visitors having to settle for click and collect services, but this year is set to be even bigger.

The Powell family who run Seasons Garden Outlet are overjoyed to be re-opening this Christmas without the same restrictions as last year.

Justin Powell, who co-runs the business with brother Mark, and his Seasons team have been working non-stop all week to get the Christmas shop ready.

It really is a family-run business with parents, partners and relatives involved in the preparation of the shop.

Haydn Powell, who is the dad of the two owners and has been involved since the very beginning, said: "I am so proud of my boys with how hard they work, it comes together every year with the help of the fabulous team.

"We have had a love of Christmas instilled into us since I was very young by my father and I have passed that down to my children.

"We all absolutely love Christmas, to see the joy on the children's faces, particularly as last year was such a tough time for the kids. We don't realise the effect its had on the children so it will be so lovely to see the smiles on their faces again."

[Rob Thompson]

This place definitely looks worth a visit. Must check my diary out for this one  

[Santa Craig Maxwell]

3 hours ago, Rob Thompson said:

We have had a love of Christmas instilled into us since I was very young by my father and I have passed that down to my children.

My kind of family.  They are in a good central location for attracting a lot of shoppers.  May be a bit of a southern jaunt for you Rob.

 

3 hours ago, Rob Thompson said:

This place definitely looks worth a visit.

In think they should come visit your grotto

[Rob Thompson]

2 minutes ago, Santa Craig Maxwell said:

My kind of family.  They are in a good central location for attracting a lot of shoppers.  May be a bit of a southern jaunt for you Rob.

 

In think they should come visit your grotto

Its finding the time to fit it in, its approx 4-5 hour drive from me

 

[Grandpa Gus]

Nice website also.