York's Christmas shop celebrates tenth anniversary today
The York staff (Image: Pic supplied)
The oldest year-round Christmas shop in Europe is marking a special milestone.
Käthe Wohlfahrt, based on Stonegate in York, is celebrating 10 years since the opening of its first and only UK store, and is doing so on Yorkshire Day.
Founded by Wilhelm and Käthe Wohlfahrt, who fled their home in Saxony with their two young children in 1956, the business started with a treasured music box.
Harald Wohlfahrt, current managing director and son of the founders, said: "My mother and father hosted a military family from the US and gifted them as a late Christmas gift a handcrafted traditional German Christmas music box from the Erzgebirge region.
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"This simple gesture accidentally launched the start of the business, which my father affectionately named after my mother.
The Wohlfahrt family- Kenta, Takuma, Fumiko, Harald and Aska.
(Image: Pic supplied)
"The business idea grew out of a love for a traditional Christmas and the craftsmanship of their home.
"My father and mother were incredibly proud of their roots and of being caring and hospitable to others.
Inside York's Käthe Wohlfahrt store
(Image: Pic supplied)
"Our values are deeply rooted in every aspect of what we do as a family business."
Since then, the company has grown to 22 shops across the UK, mainland Europe, and the USA.
Inside York's Käthe Wohlfahrt store
(Image: Pic supplied)
Harald first visited York as a tourist more than 50 years ago.
He said: "I instantly fell in love with the charm and character of the city.
"York is rooted in shared festive connections with Germany, including the city’s famous German style Christmas Market and shared Victorian heritage, so I wanted to establish shared roots in the city."
Outside York's Käthe Wohlfahrt store
(Image: Giles Rocholl)
The York shop opened on Yorkshire Day as a tribute to the city and to show the family’s long-term commitment to the community.
Outside York's Käthe Wohlfahrt store
(Image: Pic supplied)
Hundreds of people visited on opening day, queuing outside the shop.
Set within a 2,800 sq ft timber-framed building dating back to 1434, the store has become a firm favourite with visitors and locals alike.
Takuma Wohlfahrt, grandson of the founders and head of marketing and communications, said: "It’s a fair question, and one we get asked regularly.
Inside the York shop are so many Christmas goodies.
(Image: Pic supplied)
"We intentionally operate our Käthe Wohlfahrt shops using a tourist destination model and create unique products designed to last, which naturally appeals to both residents and tourists alike.
"Because of this, queues outside the shop have remained a permanent fixture from those wishing to shop, browse, or learn more about the cultural influences Germany has had on Christmas holidays as a whole.
Inside the York shop are so many Christmas goodies.
(Image: Pic supplied)
"Most Christmas traditions originate from Germany, and we love sharing this with our customers."
The shop has performed especially well with national visitors from across the UK.
Aska Wohlfahrt, eldest daughter of Harald and head of purchasing, believes the store’s success lies in its wide range of offerings.
Some of the items sold
(Image: Pic supplied)
She said: "Although we are well-known for our Christmas products, from tree decorations to festive pyramids, and from nativity scenes to outdoor festive lights.
"We also offer products including classic teddy bears, table linens, greeting cards, recipe books, wildlife decorations including our ever popular glass birds, as well as items for other seasonal occasions such as Halloween, weddings, Valentine’s Day, Easter and much more.
Some of the items sold
(Image: Pic supplied)
"These items appeal to a broader range of people, which adds an extra layer of sustainability to the business all year round."
While there are no current plans to open a second UK store, Harald and the team are considering new opportunities elsewhere in the country.
Aska said: "The beauty of York is that it is easily accessible from other major cities such as London, Manchester, Leeds and Edinburgh, and customers regularly tell us that one of the main reasons for their visit to York is to visit the Käthe Wohlfahrt shop, which shows that what we are doing is working."
The company is exploring the idea of offering traditional Christmas market booths and seasonal pop-up shops in the UK in the next five years.
Takuma said: "Although my grandparents, Wilhelm and Käthe Wohlfahrt, are no longer with us, I believe they would be incredibly proud of what we have achieved."
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