Why everyone was queuing to get into this new shop in York in 1984

Fenwick department store opened its doors on November 16, 1984.

And this month, the store – still going strong all these decades later – held a champagne party to celebrate.

Today, we are taking a look through the archive to mark the anniversary.

But first, let’s set the scene and cast your minds back 40 years to what was happening in the news at the time.

Famine was rife in Ethiopia and Ronald Reagan had secured a second term as US President.

Wham!, Frankie Goes To Hollywood and Madonna were storming the charts and movies such as Ghostbusters, Indiana Jones and Beverly Hills Cop were the top box-office hits.

Senior management team on Fenwick York’s opening day on November 16, 1984. From left: deputy general manager Sue Theobald; general manager George Mathison and personnel manager Geraldine Smith

In York, the big story of the year was the Coppergate development, complete with the Jorvik Viking Centre and shopping area, into which Fenwick was the big attraction. The retailer, which opened its first store in Newcastle in 1882, brought to York a mix of leading fashion, beauty, home products and gifts.

Much has changed over the years – brands have come and gone, including some big names (remember when the store was home to a Carluccio’s restaurant)?

One of the biggest changes came in 2012 when its ground floor beauty hall was remodelled – music icon Lulu came to the official opening.

In 2014 it was all change in the first floor fashion area when Fenwick took its offering upmarket and opened a new Designer Room featuring clothes from some of the top names in the industry.

1986 – The Coppergate Centre

The store is still drawing prestigious labels to York: at the celebration party on December 4, store manager Rebecca Elcock announced Fenwick York is now stocking the Trinny London beauty brand.

What are your memories of Fenwick? Let us know: email – maxine.gordon@thepress.co.uk or join our Facebook group for nostalgia lovers, Why We Love York – Memories. Find us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/groups/yorknostalgia.