24 December 2023 , 10:57
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A Christmas-obsessed shopkeeper who runs a festive shop all year round has said he will never stop, despite complaints from Grinches.
Simon Perks, 42, sells all things festive every day of the year from his shop Christmas Perks in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. There is a Christmas tree on display in the shop which he decorates in different themes throughout the year.
The festive spot has become a landmark for locals and visitors, with Simon frequently changing the shop window display and Christmas tree to match seasonal celebrations. For Pride Month the tree was festooned with rainbow decorations, while it got a more red, white and blue theme to celebrate the royals.
Although most people love the quirky festive merchandise, Simon said there were some “Grinches” who disapproved of the displays or some of the raunchy items he has for purchase. "There's always a Grinch, wherever you go,” he said.
"There is always someone saying 'Why is there a Christmas tree up in February or summer.' Or why is there a naked man bauble on the wall? I say why not - it makes people smile. But, in general, everyone else is supportive around here - Shrewsbury is an independent town and we get the support."
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Simon sells a variety of rude baubles as well as more traditional Christmas decor and gifts. He stocks naked Santa and Mrs Claus decorations and 'inappropriate elves.' He also sells quirky baubles of men in underwear and even bondage gear. Simon explained: "There's something for everyone.
Simon siad some people disapprove of his saucy baubles (Jam Press/Christmas Perks)"Because my store is so different, we're open to all - there's no demographic. We have Disney products for the kids and naked mermen for the adults. It's for one-year-olds to 100-year-olds."
"We've got baubles which attract the wrong attention sometimes. But the ladies seem to love it, and so do the men. We used to have a gentleman, who was quite religious, write letters to us every day saying it's against God's wishes. The church up the road didn't agree - they sent me bottles of holy water."
Simon says his shop is busy year round, and he is constantly covered in glitter from his festive wares. Curious tourists fill the shop in summer, to browse baubles and listen to Christmas songs. He has sold 100,000 baubles in the last year alone.
Simon's shop has become a local landlark (Jam Press/Christmas Perks)But when the 41-year-old isn't working in the shop, he constantly surrounds himself with Christmas every day. Simon designs many of the shop's items himself and has various products stocked in shops around the country. He also travels across the globe to go to festive trade shows and has visited the likes of Germany, China, and America.
Simon said: "I say I am Father Christmas. I'm always engrossed in Christmas and happy to be. Seeing the kid's faces and being that person that makes that smile happen is amazing."