They were always ready to serve us and here they are once more. It's the Joplings staff.
Have a look at 9 photos of the people who helped us in the cosmetics, toys, clothes sections.
There's the store manager and the staff who went outside to give customers hot cuppas as they waited for the sales to start.
We've got it all - and more - courtesy of the Sunderland Echo archives.
2. A hot cuppa in 1976
Members of Joplings staff handing out hot coffee to bargain hunters who waited outside the store all night in December 1976. | se
3. Setting up in 1977
Setting up the perfume sale display at Jopling's in December 1977 were Doris Kennan (left) and Kathleen Nelson. | se
4. Sheila's fab 45 years
Joplings managing director Philip Samuel with Sheila Byrne who took a well-earned retirement in 2003 after 45 years service. | se