Linda has worked as a sales assistant for the Norwich toy shop since she was 15 years old.
Linda Ashwood, from Brundall, got a store assistant job at Langleys Toy Shop in the Royal Arcade in 1970 when she was aged 15, and has been there ever since.
After her first shift, she was never actually told by shop managers that she had the job, she said she “just kept showing up and hoped they did not notice”. Now Linda, who has since had her job confirmed, said she plans to keep on working for the next 20 years.
Over the course of her career, Linda has seen many differnt toy trends but said most customers still bought classic toys and believes the market has not changed dramatically over the years. When reflecting over her earlier days in the trade, Linda recalled customers queueing to buy popular toys like Teletubbies and remembered how Buzz Lightyear figures never managed to hit the shelves due to the sheer number of pre-orders.
Linda commented: “When I started, Lego was coming into its own, as well as Sindy and Barbie. Farm animal and tractors figurines were also popular. I remember people desperately wanting to buy Beanie Babies, and soft toys are still my favourite toy.”
Linda revealed that what made her stay in the job for so long was the children, because “they keep you young”, as well as her colleagues who she described as family.