The world has changed an awful lot since 1984 and that is especially true of life in the retail business.
In these days, there was no internet shopping, tapping the app or click-and-collect deliveries, the few mobile phones in existence were the size of small suitcases, and Amazon was a river in South America.
Yet, while survival on the High Street has grown difficult for many retailers, and some of the biggest names from 30 or 40 years ago have become casualties of changing trends among customers, Debenhams in Aberdeen will go back to the 80s on October 12 when it celebrates its 35th anniversary as a fixture in the Granite City.
When it opened its doors, Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister, Stevie Wonder was No 1 in the charts with ‘I Just Called to Say I Love You’ and Aberdeen FC were on their way to winning the Scottish Premier Division by a comfortable margin.
The department store has organised a variety of events to help colleagues and customers mark the occasion, including a grand ribbon cutting ceremony by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Barney Crockett, at 9am, alongside the longest-serving member of the team, who has worked in the store since it opened.
The first 35 customers in the queue will also receive a special goody bag filled with treats. And all hot drinks in the restaurant on the second floor will be at 1984 prices.
Michael Bracken, store manager at the Trinity Centre site, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating this important milestone with our customers.
“We have lots of exciting activity, so they can do a bit of celebrating with us, and if they spend in our store this weekend, we will pay for their parking as well.
“We look forward to being part of the Aberdeen community for many years to come.”
Aberdeen Inspired’s chief executive Adrian Watson added: “Debenhams is a much-loved institution and it is great to see it is celebrating 35 years in the city centre.
“The store has a fond place in the hearts of many and we would urge the public to pop in and enjoy some of the many offers and activities to mark this great occasion.”
