Romford has had a wealth of businesses and stores over the years, so we have looked back at some of its most famous and celebrated.

From the iconic Debenhams department store captured in colour to Woolworths on the town's high street, Romford's old businesses continue to provide people with fond memories.

We have selected a range of photos to capture Romford's shops and department stores of the past.

Woolworths in High Street circa 1980s

Romford Recorder: Woolworths was a high street staple for many yearsWoolworths was a high street staple for many years (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

Woolworths was situated on High Street in Romford.

In this picture, to its right you can see retail store Curtess Shoes and the Golden Lion pub.

A reader pointed out a red Ford Fiesta car parked in front, said to be registered in 1981.

Romford or 'Rumford' Shopping Hall circa 1964

Romford Recorder: The famous store was formerly known as 'Rumford Shopping Hall'The famous store was formerly known as 'Rumford Shopping Hall' (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies/ John Clarke)

Pay close attention to the spelling of the now Romford Shopping Hall.

Here it has the spelling "Rumford Shopping Hall" before the signage was changed.

This photo was taken in 1964 by John Clarke and to the left of the hall you can see Palmer's English Cash Butchers.

RELATED LISTICLE - PHOTOS: Romford pubs of the 1960s and a look back in time

Sainsbury's in South Street circa 1967

Romford Recorder: Sainsbury's with iconic signage Sainsbury's with iconic signage (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

To the right, the South Street Sainsbury's has old fashioned lettering "J. Sainsbury's", after the store's founder John James Sainsbury.

An old Boots chemist sits next door to the shop.

Stone's in Market Place circa 1965

Romford Recorder: Stone's Store in Market Place circa 1965Stone's Store in Market Place circa 1965 (Image: Havering Libraries)

Some of you may remember Stone's, before it became the iconic Debenhams in 1973.

This is an aerial photograph of Stone's, which was once Romford's biggest shop.

Construction of the building ended in 1960, according to Havering Libraries, and Stone's only changed its name when all of the stores in the Debenham Group became Debenhams.

Debenhams in Market Place circa 2000

Romford Recorder: Debenhams in Market Place circa 2000Debenhams in Market Place circa 2000 (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

Debenhams was one of Romford's most recognisable shops.

It shut in 2021 and has been replaced with Aklu Plaza shopping mall, which has since had its plans for a banqueting hall cast into doubt.

Romford Arcade in South Street circa 1967

Romford Recorder: Romford Arcade in South Street, circa 1967Romford Arcade in South Street, circa 1967 (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

The arcade opened in 1935.

It was said to have provided many with work at a time when employment and wages were seriously needed in the 1930s.

It was damaged during the Second World War, according to Havering Libraries.

Times Furnishing Co in South Street circa 1930s/40s

Romford Recorder: You can see the store to the photo's leftYou can see the store to the photo's left (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

Times Furnishing opened in the 1930s to provide shoppers with essential household goods.

It can be seen to the left of the Routemaster bus in the middle of the road.

The building remained as Times Furnishing until 1989, according to Havering Libraries.

T&B Photographic in North Street circa 1965

Romford Recorder: T&B Photographic is on the left-hand sideT&B Photographic is on the left-hand side (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

T&B, or Ted and Bob's according to a reader, was a much frequented shop in the town centre.

It stood at 35 North Street, but later relocated to 2 Brewery Walk.

T&B had been a well known fixture in Romford until 2020 when it closed, according to Havering Libraries.