Debenhams

It was the early 70's. I was leaving school and wanted a job which involved something creative. I remember seeing a careers advisor who told me that Debenhams in Bradford were looking for a junior to start in their DIsplay Department as it was called back then. I met with the manager and the rest as they say is history.
I gained a basic knowledge of display which included painting the windows twice a year; dark for winter, lighter shades for summer, laying floors (with felt) and assisting senior team members.
I was sixteen at the time and they were all in their mid twenties and I thought they were so mature and experienced........They were kind to me, when I think back even though I got teased a lot. I eventually got to dress my own windows and my artistic "bent" started to blossom and soon I was doing all kinds of weird and wonderful things, which has continued to this day (even though I am not in the industry anymore). I also attended night school and gained British Display diplomas 1 and 2.
Debenhams had just taken over what used to be called Busby's. An old family store run by the Busby family. The store was a "grand dame" in the old tradition and people used to go there and have high tea while watching fashion mannequins meander in and out of the tables.
The exterior of the building looked like a fairy tale castle with turrets and high Gothic arches which added to the ambiance.
When I was there, things had toned down somewhat although there was still an a la carte restaurant and a cafeteria, a barber's shop and a ladies hairdressing salon. I recall seeing the one remaining Busby brother in a morning coat and starched collar, shuffling around the myriad of corridors that made up the service area in the bowels of the store...he had no say in the business anymore, but I think Debs let him come in as a sign of respect.
I think Sale time was the hardest part of the job....the store suffered from sign pollution normally so when the sales were on we had to hang more boards and usually worked over time to meet the deadline...which we didn't get paid for!
I enjoyed building Santa's Grotto at Christmas time.....my imagination went into overdrive.............They were good times now that I come to think about it.

the most enjoyable part of the job was that manager was always co operative and never underestimated its staff and when ever i had any problem he was there to solve the problems effectively

In this company I have been treated amazingly. I have had fantastic training and have met some fantastic people from the beginninig of my employment.

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