Romford has had a wide range of shops over the years, so we have rounded up some photos from yesteryear.
From South Street, which has always been a hub of commercial activity, to businesses in High Street, we have chosen a variety of pictures that bring Romford's past to life.
Take a look at our selection below.
Curtess Shoes in High Street in 1972
The shoe retailer can be seen to the left of the Golden Lion Hotel, which still operates as a pub today.
This photo was taken by Arthur Knightly, who captured the redevelopment of Romford between 1962 and 1972, according to Havering Libraries.
The former Corn Exchange sat above Curtess Shoes and its faint lettering can be spotted in this photo.
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Boltons Cleaners in High Street circa 1964
Boltons Cleaners can be spotted to the far left of this vintage photo, second to the end.
This photo shows a less commonly captured part of High Street, according to Havering Libraries, just before most of it was demolished.
Just to the left of Boltons, you can see a police officer speaking to a man sporting a flat cap at the entrance of Angels Yard.
Wells Music Stores, Romford Arcades, South Street circa 1967
The music shop can be seen to the front left of the photo attached to Romford Arcade, part of which is still standing as the Quadrant Arcade today.
Havering Libraries pointed out that most of the businesses pictured, including Wells Music, are preparing to vacate the premises at the time this photo was taken.
Burton Tailoring in South Street circa 1967
Burton, which had a "ready to wear" sale at the time this 1960s photograph was taken, sits between John Temple, a fellow tailor, and J Lyons, a tea shop.
It had replaced Larry Parnes's store, according to Havering Libraries, and sits along a row of fashion retailers, including Jane Norman to the far left.
Lasham's Pharmacy in South Street (right) circa 1920s
This is a 1920s postcard of South Street and to the right you can see Lasham's Pharmacy. It closed later that decade, according to Havering Libraries.
A vintage Routemaster bus rides along to the left showing Upminster as its destination.
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