HUNDREDS of customers flocked to iconic Wallingford department store Pettits to pick up first-day bargains in its clearance sale.

Staff at the department store in St Mary’s Street were busy all day on Wednesday serving shoppers. The sale will continue until March when the store shuts for major refurbishment.

Owner Richard Rowse has decided to refurbish the ground-floor sales area while nine flats are built on the upper floor.

Some sale items are being discounted by as much as 70 per cent.

Manager Kevin Willis said: “It has been extremely busy and staff served hundreds of customers all day long.

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“I can’t say what the takings were at the end of the day but staff had to empty tills of cash.

“We had some lovely conversations with customers old and new.”

Thelma Dawes, 88, who has lived in Wallingford for the past 50 years, called in yesterday.

She said: “I have bought lots of things here over the years and this time I picked up a jacket for about £14 – there was quite a reduction. I’m surprised they are building above the store but I’m glad Pettits is staying. It’s a very handy shop.”

The store is expected to reopen by next spring.