Albany’s first year-round festive store Christmas Cheer & Giftware and combination brew-shop opens

An Albany man has taken the spirit of Christmas in July to a new level with the opening of a Christmas-themed shop in Centennial Park this week. Jason Dean opens Christmas Cheer & Giftware on Thursday evening, welcoming customers to the festive store that stocks ornaments, trees and tinsel year-round. UK-born Mr Dean said the idea for the project, which was four years in the making, was sparked by nostalgia for the festive season in his home country. “Being English, we’re big into Christmas and even though I’ve been over here for almost 30 years it still doesn’t feel like Christmas until winter, when it’s cold and miserable,” he said. “I had a pop-up Christmas shop a few years ago and I missed it. “Australia doesn’t really get as involved in the season but the Christmas shops in Myaree and Toodyay do really good business, so I thought there’s enough of a gap in the market for quality products that I can bring one down here. “Christmas can be such a big expense, especially for quality products, so having the option to purchase an $800 tree on layby and pay it off over the year is a good option for people to have.” Alongside year-round carols, nativity scenes and Australian-themed decorations, the store features a winter wonderland alcove, with a letterbox for children’s wish lists, a lit-up Christmas tree forest and — closer to the date itself — a Santa with his elf helpers customers can interact with. Store manager Anne-Marie Van der Muelen said she is thrilled to be working at “such a happy shop”. “Christmas is such a wonderful time of the year and the kids will likely love it,” she said. Festive decorations are not the only thing stocked in the store, with Mr Dean also selling men’s giftware and home-brewing equipment out of a second store that you reach through the Christmas shop. Special Brew stocks spirit essences, brew kits for different types of beers and specialty tools, and will offer workshops once a month teaching how to brew and distill different alcohols. Mr Dean said the brew shop is more so his area of expertise, having worked in the industry for several years. “I left (my past company) and really missed my customers and using my expertise,” he said. “This is my passion but I think the two ideas complement each other pretty well. “People tend to drink a bit at Christmas, and we also have some things — like our Apple Pie moonshine — that just smell like Christmas.” The double opening of Christmas Cheer & Giftware and Special Brew will take place at 81 Lockyer Avenue, Centennial Park, on Thursday at 5pm and involve giveaways, a light-show and free tastings of brew shop products.