FOR some Oxford shop assistants, the Christmas holiday didn’t last too long.

As soon as Christmas Day and Boxing Day were over, they had to return to work – to prepare for the winter sales.

Today, of course, many stores have sales all the year round, while others begin clearing their end-of-line stock well before Christmas.

But in past years, there was always a scramble for bargains when shops reopened after the festive period.

Customers would queue outside, often for hours, and would surge inside to grab what they could when the doors finally opened.

This picture shows the scene in Debenhams, in Magdalen Street, on December 28, 1977.

There was hardly an inch of room to spare between the counters as shoppers flocked to snap up whatever was on offer.

Most Oxford stores had decided to stay closed and start their sales with a bang the following day.

But Debenhams was one of the exceptions – its staff were called in on December 27 to get everything ready for the next morning.

And it seemed to be a profitable move for the department store.

The Oxford Mail reported: “There were enough bargain-hunters in the city centre to justify the decision of stores such as Debenhams to open.

“Most people were interested in clothes.

“Yesterday’s desirable Christmas gifts had become today’s unrepeatable bargain offers, and shoppers scrambled for cut-price ladies’ boots, children’s shoes, men’s shirts and socks, and every item of fashionable clothing.

“There were some real bargains for those with enough Christmas money left, with many items going for half price.

“Bargains in beds, electric mixers, saucepans and furniture are expected to sell steadily throughout the sales.”

Among the shoppers was Doris Ward, of Old Marston, who went to the sales every year and was particularly pleased with two sweaters she bought for £1.99 each.

She said: “I’ve also got a splendid brown suit, and when I have paid for it, I shall go and buy some sheets. It’s worth saving up to go to the sales.”