Although the core products this popular high street retailer sells have essentially remained the same, the Watford branch of WHSmith has changed since when these pictures were taken.

They were captured by a Watford Observer photographer in December 1966 when the town centre branch was located in High Street – it is now inside atria Watford.

The opportunity to buy many of the products advertised above the entrance – newspapers, magazines, paperbacks, books, stationery, greeting cards and toys & games – remain the reason why many shoppers still visit the branch today, less so fountain pens, fancy goods and gramophone records.

How the entrance to the high street branch looked in 1966How the entrance to the high street branch looked in 1966 (Image: Watford Observer)

Our photographer went inside and captured some images of the books section, complete with a ‘cash & wrap’ service, while ‘new children’s annuals’ were stacked up next to Christmas cards.


The children's annuals stacked upThe children's annuals stacked up (Image: Watford Observer)

But arguably the biggest difference with the WHSmith of today based on these photos was the department selling music.

The 'pop record bar' in the music departmentThe 'pop record bar' in the music department (Image: Watford Observer)

A ‘pop record bar’ was situated next to the shelves displaying the singles and albums, with CDs – let alone streaming services – still a long way into the future.

A 'cash & wrap' service was availableA 'cash & wrap' service was available (Image: Watford Observer)