One of Watford’s busiest roads may not have seemed the most obvious destinations to head to if you wanted to buy a wet suit in the 1980s but there was a shop that sold them.

A Watford Observer photographer visited St Albans Road in November 1987 and took photos of some of the smaller independent businesses, including Watford Marine Centre, that were trading in the road almost 37 years ago.

The marine centre, which was next to Conways Tailors, advertised in its window that wet suits were on sale from £55.95 while rain suits were priced at £13.99.

The Quartermasters Stores was next to a butchersThe Quartermasters Stores was next to a butchers (Image: Watford Observer)

Among the other shops that readers may remember were The Quatermasters Stores, which sold uniforms, helmets and weapons among other items, Watford Model Centre and children’s and babywear shop Cheeky Tots.

Watford Marine Centre and Conways tailorsWatford Marine Centre and Conways tailors (Image: Watford Observer)

Take a look through these pictures from our archive and see how many of the other shops and business you can remember.

Watford Moderl Shop, Modern Telephones and ProntaprintWatford Moderl Shop, Modern Telephones and Prontaprint (Image: Watford Observer)

Cheeky Tots was between a butchers and a travel agents (Image: Watford Observer)

Regent Office Supplies and William Hill bookmakersRegent Office Supplies and William Hill bookmakers (Image: Watford Observer)