The Festive Christmas Shop on the Ty Coch industrial estate in Cwmbran has opened its doors, marking three decades of festive tradition for the local community. The warehouse, run by Festive Productions, has evolved from a basic outlet for end-of-line stock into a large Christmas village featuring displays, trees, tinsel curtains and a visit from Father Christmas every weekend until the end of November.
A 30-year tradition
Jonathan Hughes, joint managing director of Festive Productions, said the shop has become a community fixture that signals the start of the Christmas season. He noted that people begin asking about the opening as early as April, May and June, with questions about Halloween and Santa's appearance.
Initially used to clear surplus stock, the warehouse has grown significantly over the years. Hughes explained that the business noticed customers treating it as the beginning of their Christmas celebrations, turning the visit into a tradition.
From pallets to displays
"It was just literally a kind of like, 'open it up, put it on pallets, put it on the wall, and just, you know, get rid of end-of-line stuff.' And then we noticed that people were really using it for a 'start of the Christmas thing' and it became a tradition to come down," he said.
As demand grew, the company invested in larger displays, which led to further expansion, including an extension at the back of the warehouse. The shop now offers a wide range of decorations, from twinkly lights to themed ornaments.
Planning ahead
Hughes said his mind is always on Christmas, with the company preparing to open bookings for Christmas 2027 with traders next month, while selecting trends and products for Christmas 2028. "I've got three Christmases all going at the same time," he said. "But, who doesn't love Christmas?"
The Festive Christmas Shop is now open at Ty Coch Way, Cwmbran.
