Great customer service, loyal customers and quality products are what have kept Austins department store at the top of its game said store director Trevor Boobyer, this week.

He made the statement in the lead-up to the Newton Abbot store's 85th anniversary, which takes place this month.

'None of this would have happened if it wasn't for the customer,' he said.

'It is the customer who is the lifeblood of the store and pays our wages. It's all old hat but I really believe it.

'I'm also obsessed with customer service as it is paramount.'

To celebrate the milestone, it is holding a Feel Good Festival.

'Everywhere you look at the moment it's grey and gloomy and we wanted to lift the atmosphere with a little bit of colour,' said Mr Boobyer.

'We came up with the Feel Good Festival idea and decided we wanted all the 'Fs' – furniture, fashion, face, fine dining for the cook shop, fellas for the men's shop, and fun for the toy store, also the future. Since the idea was established, it's grown dramatically.

'It's not about discounts, its about added value. If customers get something extra, it is a feel good factor.'

There will be promotions instore. Another attraction will be display boards featuring the history of Austins and major news stories that have hit the headlines over through years courtesy of the Mid-Devon Advertiser series.

'Customers are really interested in the history of the store and love to read old news. We hope the festival will bring in more shoppers for them to view what the store has to offer,' said Mr Boobyer.

He joined the company in 1984 as merchandise manager and is now the store director. When he joined, the founder of the store Charles Austin was heavily involved in the business. It is now run by his son David, who is managing director.

'Charles was in his 80s when I arrived,' said Mr Boobyer.

'He thought the store needed another merchant to come in and luckily I got involved and filled the merchandise role,' said Mr Boobyer.

During his 24 years with the company, he has watched the store evolve and expand.

As well as the main Austins store, various departments are housed in buildings nearby.

'Our toy store is probably the largest in the south west and it is doing extremely well,' said Mr Boobyer.

'One of the biggest successes is selling model trains. We are getting calls from all around the country for them.

'As well as expanding we are trying to move with the times and bring in new customers and have introduced younger ranges like Bay Trading and Principles among others.'

Despite the credit crunch the store is doing quite well in the present economic climate.

'We are virtually level pegging. that's only because the customer wants to buy from us and feel comfortable shopping with us and they trust us which is an important part of our future.

'This year it's all about consolidation and doing what we do best.'

The Feel Good Festival runs until March 28.