MANAGERS at Oxford’s oldest department store Boswells are asking customers and former staff to share their favourite memories – including those who gave birth there.

The family-run store on the corner of Broad Street and Cornmarket, has been serving customers for 280 years and wants to celebrate the anniversary.

Owners are now asking shoppers to take part in its memories competition by sharing their recollections or bringing in old photographs.

By taking part they could win a £50 gift voucher and their memories could be included in a time capsule, which will be opened in 2038, the store’s 300th year.

The shop’s web manager Elena Woolley said staff were looking forward to gathering memories.

She added: “We regularly have customers reminisce when they visit the store so we thought this should be recorded for posterity and for fun.

“We’ve had customers and staff give birth in the store, fall in love and get married and we have dealt with all manner of animals and birds.”

Managing director and co-owner Jonathan Pearson said: “Our staff and customers are part of a large Oxford family.

“There are weird and wonderful memories to be shared, as well as the everyday delights of shopping at Boswells.”

The store celebrated its 275th anniversary in 2013 and in 2015 opened the 1738 Tea Room Cafe.

As part of a revamp the linens department relocated to the second floor, alongside bedroom and bathroom goods and new customer toilets.

Boswells opened 96 years before Harrods in London was founded and specialises in homeware, toys, travel and beauty. It also has a pharmacy and health department.

The store’s long history dates back to 1738 when Francis Boswell arrived at 50 Cornmarket Street.

He designed and sold luggage to the great and the good of Oxford, and not until 1890 did the last of the Boswells die.

Plans were already under way to ensure the name lived on as Arthur Pearson, of the Oxford Drug Company, took charge.

Direct descendants of Arthur Pearson Senior, his great-grandchildren Jonathan and Sarah Pearson, who are cousins, now run the company.

To find out more about taking part in the project visit boswells.co.uk/memories