BLACKBURN’S Debenhams is set to mark its 40th anniversary in the town today.
The store opened its doors on October 17, 1979 — in Blackburn Shopping Centre which is now The Mall — and three members of staff remain who were there at the start.
Anita Sunter started in the lighting department but after four years became a Visual Merchandiser, responsible for the in-store displays.
Sharon Raymond, who is a sales adviser in the lingerie department, started as a ‘Saturday girl’ before working in lingerie.
Kate Morrell joined following seven years in the Navy.
Her first position as stock room assistant soon developed into roles in the cash office and personnel before she became a senior business support assistant.
Store manager Scott Rimmer said: “Celebrating four decades of shopping here in Blackburn is just wonderful and our people really are our most precious asset.
“Not only do we have these three fabulous ladies that have been here for 40 years but more than a quarter of our staff have been here for more than 20 years.”
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