Final Days To Vote For Best Festive Store
Business news is presented by
Invercargill’s city centre has been transformed with Christmas cheer this month, as local businesses compete in the Get Festive Invercargill Top Storefront Decoration competition.
The festive initiative, organised by Great South and Invercargill City Council, aims to encourage community spirit and support for local shops, with 27 businesses decorating their storefronts and vying for a share of a $3,500 prize pool.
Public voting is open until midday on Friday 19 December, with the public urged to visit the city centre, enjoy the festive displays, and vote for their favourites online. The voting form is available via the campaign webpage at southlandnz.com/festive, or through QR codes displayed at participating businesses.
To make voting even more rewarding, five lucky voters will be drawn to each win a $100 Prezzy Card.
Great South City Centre Co-ordinator Oli Cameron said the campaign had received strong support in its first year, with more than 1,000 votes already submitted.
"It’s good seeing the smaller operators taking it on and really getting into it," he said.
The top-voted business will receive $2,000 for a workplace shout of their choice, with $1,000 for second place and $500 for third.
The decorations can be seen across a wide range of businesses, from cafes and restaurants to gift shops, clothing stores and beauty salons. Invercargill Central is also taking part.
"We’re really happy with the engagement and contribution of the local business community," said Oli.
The Get Festive Invercargill campaign also includes a seasonal events calendar to help people keep track of Christmas happenings in the city.
The initiative is part of the City Centre Activation Programme, which aims to make Invercargill a more vibrant and welcoming place. Organisers are already hoping to bring the festive competition back in 2025.
How to Vote:
- Head to the Invercargill City Centre and check out the festive storefronts listed at southlandnz.com/festive.
- Vote for as many displays as you like – just once per business.
- Use the QR code posters or vote online via the campaign webpage.
- Votes close at midday Friday 19 December, with winners announced later that day.
