Memories of Clements department store in Watford in 1980s

The pictures were taken in April 1988 when a photographer from this newspaper visited the shop in High Street and captured images of some of the departments that helped make Clements part of the fabric of the town centre for more than a century.

First opened in 1898, Clements grew to become a much-loved department store, selling a vast range of products for a host of needs and occasions.

• Looking back at the last of the original town centre cinemas
• Memorable snaps of Princess Diana opening a Watford school
• Nostalgic snaps show big high street names we've lost

(Image: Watford Observer)

It became particularly popular in the 1950s and 1960s under Richard Edmonds, who became chairman in 1965 before later passing the role on to his son-in-law Jamie Rankin.

(Image: Watford Observer)

Mr Rankin and his wife Anna were to be at the helm of the business until it closed its doors to customers for the final time on January 31, 2004.

(Image: Watford Observer)

(Image: Watford Observer)

(Image: Watford Observer)

(Image: Watford Observer)

(Image: Watford Observer)

(Image: Watford Observer)

(Image: Watford Observer)

(Image: Watford Observer)