Debenhams Southampton: Vintage Christmas record found in derelict store

A vintage Christmas vinyl record meant for children's parties has been rediscovered during the clearing out of a Debenhams.

Fantasia - A Christmas Story was written specifically for the Edwin Jones store, as it was then known, in Southampton in 1962.

It later became a Debenhams and closed down last year.

Mark Holman, from restoration firm Fork Handle Revival, called the record a "reminder of Christmases gone by".

The former Southampton Debenhams has yielded some vintage treasures

Other memorabilia found in the store on East Street, which dates back to the late 19th Century, includes oak desks, vintage mannequins, clocks, a key cabinet, and a portrait of the building.

The record, which features a woman talking about the spirit of Christmas, is credited to Recorded Sound Limited, a recording studio set up in Marble Arch, London, in the 1950s.

Previously known as Edwin Jones - seen here in 1959 - the store was once a popular destination for shoppers

It was found by a security guard in one of the derelict building's many offices, which Mr Holman described as looking like a "bomb site, very reminiscent of one of those mutant zombie films".

Mr Holman said: "We think Edwin Jones commissioned it, and we think it would have been used at Christmas parties for children that Edwin Jones and Debenhams were renowned for.

"Many of us grew up seeing that the best Father Christmas was always the Debenhams Father Christmas."

He added: "The more we looked into it, the more unique we found it to be."

He called the piece "very spiritual", "very different", and a "very pure Christmas story".

A portrait of the building was found among other items found in old offices at the site

The company is looking to sell the record and share the money with a local children's charity, with an exhibition also planned.

The Southampton Debenhams, which employed 106 staff, closed during the lockdown following the company's collapse.

Fashion retailer Boohoo subsequently bought the brand and website for £55m, but did not take on its 118 High Street stores or workforce.

Debenhams is one of 33 sites on the Southampton city vision local plan, which is assessing the development potential of certain areas.

Daniel Fitzhenry, leader of the city council, said: "The Debenhams site is a key city centre site which could deliver significant investment and growth together with new jobs in the city."