In festive traditions alone, very few can compete in Dundee with the pure delight and magic of Gillies' annual Christmas window displays.
Nestled in Broughty Ferry, this family-run furniture shop has created a shopfront over the decades that has been an outlet of creativity, storytelling, and community spirit.
From whimsical themes to intricate craftsmanship, Gillies' displays are loved by all age groups as a symbol of the holiday season, visiting to marvel at the artistry and touching themes of their displays.
This year, Gillies takes visitors on an unforgettable journey to the magical land of Oz.
Inspired by the timeless classic The Wizard of Oz, the display brings Dorothy’s adventure to life with vibrant scenes featuring other beloved characters like the Wicked Witch of the West, and the Cowardly Lion.
I talked with the team at Gillies to uncover the inspiration, history, and creative processes involved in these magical windows.
Our discussion also consisted of the challenges they have experienced, heartfelt reactions within the community, and their drive to give back during the festive period.
What inspired Gillies to start the tradition of their Christmas window displays?
There's something magical that happens on the streets of Broughty Ferry every year: the soft glow that lures us out from the cold, sparking delight and firing the imagination.
For Gillies, Christmas has never been about merely decking the halls. It is all about a story being told and an invite-an open window, if you will-into the Gillies family legacy in bringing festive wonder to our community.
The Gillies family believed that holiday décor should evoke a sense of nostalgia, delight, and togetherness. Inspired by the grand department store displays of times past, we set out to recreate that feeling right here in Broughty Ferry.
By the early 2000s, city streets began to sparkle with light and colour, and our founders wanted to bring that same magic home. It was a simple idea, really, to turn our windows into stories, capturing the spirit of Christmas as a gift to our community.
For how many years has an annual Christmas window display been a feature of Dundee's festive season?
Since the late 80s. We were awarded a civic commendation in 1992, and since then, we've gone above and beyond to add a festive touch to our window displays every year!
Our displays are a far cry from what they were in the early 90s; in 1995, we had a revolving platform installed—which was actually produced as a car showroom turntable!
Can you share some memorable themes or designs from previous years?
Over the years, our creative team has explored a myriad of festive themes. One year, we supported the RNLI and had a boat in the window.
We even got Santa out on the real RNLI lifeboat right here on the Tay.
Last year, we worked with DC Thomson to create a Beano-themed display, which was a lot of fun and a great collaboration with another local business.
Another display took visitors on a journey through a whimsical "Candy Cane Lane," complete with a life-sized gingerbread man, fondly named Gingy, crafted by Clark's Bakery.
We've also drawn inspiration from classics such as Peter Pan and The Polar Express, and even featured a director's Morgan sports car with Santa in the driving seat.
One memorable year, we regrouped 18 Oor Wullie statues for a Christmas party after the first bucket trail!
What is the creative process to design and bring Christmas windows to life?
Our Christmas window is designed and produced by our very own visual merchandiser, Amy. The journey begins long before December's chill sets in.
We gather as a team in the spring, brainstorming stories and selecting themes that resonate with the community and current times.
Once we have a concept, Amy starts doing layouts and gathering materials and fabrics. She works for months perfecting each component.
At the beginning of November, we bring together the scene, carefully making light adjustments and repositioning ornaments to get the display just so.
Are there any unique or hidden details in this year's display that visitors should look out for?
We love including tiny surprises for the sharp-eyed visitor each year.
This year, look out for Elphaba's famous black witch's hat-you may find ten nestled amongst the poppies, or perhaps the Cowardly Lion has pinched one?
These little gems add an extra layer of fun, encouraging visitors to stay and discover.
How has the community reacted to the Christmas windows over the years?
The response has always warmed our hearts. Families who once came as children now bring their own little ones, sharing in the tradition through the generations.
Locals say the windows mark the true start of their holiday season.
We hear numerous stories every year of grandparents talking about their favourite displays from the past and newcomers who are seeing it for the first time.
These reactions remind us why we continue this cherished holiday tradition.
Have there been any significant challenges in maintaining or evolving the tradition?
Change and challenge go hand in hand with any long-standing tradition. We’ve dealt with new technologies, shifting design trends, and global lockdowns that altered manufacturing times or material availability.
But these hurdles have also fuelled our creativity. Rather than setbacks, we treat each challenge as a spark for innovation, ensuring our displays remain fresh, relevant, and true to their roots.
Are you supporting a worthy cause this festive season?
Each year, we believe the spirit of giving should extend beyond the magic of our windows. This year, we are proud to dedicate our display to support the Archie Foundation - a charity devoted to improving the lives of poorly children across Tayside, Aberdeen, and the Highlands.
By putting the spotlight on their amazing work, we wish to inspire our visitors to learn more, get involved, and help bring comfort, care, and hope to children and families who need it most during the holiday season and throughout the year.
Gillies' Christmas windows are much more than a festive tradition-they are a reflection of Dundee's heart and soul.
As we look forward to this year's display, it's clear that Gillies will continue to bring holiday magic to the city for generations to come.
Thank you to the team at Gillies for this interview!
Want to know how to hack WebAssign Answers? You are at the right place. Read on for cheating tricks to get accurate WebAssign answers.