Harrods

Summary

Harrods, one of the world’s most iconic luxury department stores, stands as a beacon of opulence and sophistication in the heart of London. Founded in 1849 and located in the heart of London’s Knightsbridge, Harrods has become synonymous with exclusivity, offering an extensive range of high-end products from fashion and beauty to fine jewellery, gourmet food, and home furnishings.

Renowned for its grand architecture, impeccable service, and exclusive selection of high-end brands, Harrods offers an unparalleled shopping experience that draws visitors from around the globe. From its historic origins to its current status as a symbol of luxury, Harrods combines tradition with innovation, catering to the most discerning tastes across fashion, beauty, fine dining, and lifestyle. Walking through its lavish halls is not merely shopping; it’s an immersion into a world of elegance, where each floor and display exudes the artistry and prestige that define the Harrods name.

History

In 1824, Charles Henry Harrod established a business at 228 Borough High Street in Southwark and listed it the following year as ‘Harrod and Wicking, Linen Drapers, Retail’ but this partnership was dissolved. He then ventured into the grocery business as ‘Harrod and Co. Grocers’ in 1832. Two years later, in London’s East End, he established a wholesale grocery business with a special interest in tea. Capitalising on trade to the Great Exhibition of 1851 in Hyde Park, Harrod purchased a small shop on the site of the current department store. Beginning with a single room and three employees, Harrod’s son Charles Digby Harrod built the business into a booming retail operation selling perfumes, stationery, fruits, vegetables and medicines. Harrods grew fast, purchased the adjacent buildings and employed a hundred people by 1881.

However, the store experienced a tragic spell in December 1883 when it burnt to the ground. Remarkably, Charles Harrod managed to fulfil all commitments including a record profit. Shortly, a new seven-story, 111,000 square-meter building was built on the same site. When the department store reopened it had a palatial style, with terracotta tiles adorned with cherubs, Art Nouveau windows and a baroque-style dome and began extending credit to a few cherished customers including Oscar Wilde, Charlie Chaplin, Vivien Leigh, Sigmund Freud and a few members of the British Royal Family. The department store now offers an assortment of products and services including menswear, womenswear, kidswear, electronics, jewellery, sporting gear, trousseau, pet accessories, toys, food and drink, health, wellness and beauty, stationery, home-ware, home appliances, furniture, and much more. This, in addition to twenty-odd restaurants; personal shopping; watch repair service; tailor; pharmacy; spa and salon; barbers shop; catering; food delivery; wine steward; bespoke picnic hampers and gift boxes et all. PS Harrods once had a famous pet store which sold a variety of animals including lions, tigers, elephants and panthers!! The royals of Albania bought an elephant in 1967 as a gift for Ronald Reagan. The department stopped selling exotic animals in 1976 and shuttered the pet store in 2014.

One of the darkest blemishes on the history of Harrods was in the Seventies and Eighties when the store was targetted for bombing attacks, which ended in civilian and police casualties. In 1889, Charles Harrod sold his stake in the department store for reported £120,000 to Edgar Cohen. The new company, titled Harrod’s Stores Limited, appointed Sir Alfred James Newton as Chairman and Richard Burbidge as Managing Director. Richard Burbidge was succeeded by his son Woodman Burbidge in 1917 and he in turn by his son Richard in 1935. 

During World War II, the department store transformed itself from selling luxury goods to making uniforms, parachutes and parts for Lancaster bombers. Harrods was acquired by House of Fraser in 1959, which was later purchased by Egyptian businessman Mohammed Al-Fayed for reported £615m in 1985 and the store returned to private ownership. In 1989, Harrods introduced a formal dress code for customers and strictly turned away any one whose attire was not in adherence. Prohibited looks include cycling shorts; high-cut shorts, Bermudas; beach shorts; swimwear; singlets; flip flops, thong sandals; bare feet; bare midriff; and dirty unkempt clothing. That said, the department store introduced shops at every terminal in Heathrow airport in 2008 so travellers pressed for time could experience shopping at Harrods.

At the turn of the century, Harrods severed ties with the Royal Family by removing warrants from Queen Elizabeth II; The Duke of Edinburgh’ and Queen Elizabeth. In a letter to The Daily Telegraph, Chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed stetted that he had burnt Harrods royal warrants, after he took them down in 2000. Harrods had held the Royal warrants since 1910. The royal seal of approval was also removed from the store’s vans, ending the sixty-two year tradition. In another strategic move, Mohammed Al Fayed sold Harrods to the Qatar royal family’s investment company for reported £1.5bn. The sale, on 8 May, includes each aspect of the Harrods group, including Harrods Estates and a charter aircraft service.

Trivia — In November 1898, Harrods debuted England’s first escalator, a woven leather conveyor belt-like unit with a mahogany and “silver plate-glass” balustrade and nervous customers were offered brandy!! Also, approximately 12,000 bulbs light up the facade of Harrods each night. The lights were turned off as a mark of respect when Dodi Fayed and Princess Diana died in 1997 and a memorial was erected in store.

Mission Statement

Harrods is dedicated to delivering the world’s finest shopping experience, combining unparalleled luxury with personalized customer service that goes above and beyond expectations. The mission of Harrods is to create a destination where every customer feels valued and indulged, offering an exclusive selection of the most prestigious brands and products. Whether in its iconic Knightsbridge store or through its expanding digital platforms, Harrods is committed to setting the global standard for luxury retail by providing bespoke experiences tailored to each individual shopper’s preferences and needs.

In addition to luxury and service, Harrods’s mission also includes a strong commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility. The company aims to lead the way in ethical retail, ensuring that its products are sourced and produced with the highest environmental and social standards. By aligning itself with responsible luxury, Harrods strives to make a positive impact on the world while maintaining its status as a symbol of prestige and refinement. Through these efforts, Harrods ensures that its customers can shop with confidence, knowing that their purchases contribute to a more sustainable future.

Vision

Harrods envisions itself as a global leader in luxury retail, combining tradition with innovation to create an unparalleled shopping experience. Known for its rich heritage, the British retailer believes that luxury is about more than just high-end products; it’s about curating an environment where customers feel indulged at every touchpoint. In this vision, Harrods emphasizes personalized customer service that transcends the ordinary, using both in-store expertise and cutting-edge technology to deliver bespoke shopping experiences. Every customer interaction is designed to feel exclusive, ensuring that shoppers walk away with a sense of prestige and personalized care.

Sustainability also plays a pivotal role in Harrods’s vision for the future. The brand is committed to responsible luxury, where quality is matched with ethical practices. Harrods recognizes the growing importance of sustainability to its clientele, which expects not only the finest products but also a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility. By integrating eco-friendly materials, sustainable sourcing, and ethical labor practices into its supply chains, Harrods aims to redefine what luxury means in the 21st century. The store’s commitment to sustainability ensures that customers can indulge in luxury while contributing to a better world.

Looking ahead, Harrods sees the future of retail as a combination of physical and digital experiences. While the iconic Knightsbridge store remains central to the brand’s identity, Harrods is investing heavily in digital innovation to meet the evolving expectations of modern luxury consumers. Virtual shopping, augmented reality, and online concierge services will complement the traditional in-store experience, allowing customers to engage with the brand from anywhere in the world. By offering a unified, omnichannel experience, Harrods aims to maintain its position as a trailblazer in luxury retail, ensuring that it continues to meet the needs of the next generation of shoppers.

Leadership Team

Charles Henry Harrod (Founder)
Michael Ward (MD)

Recognition and Awards

The department store is recognised for offering an assortment of products and services including menswear, womenswear, kidswear, electronics, jewellery, sporting gear, trousseau, pet accessories, toys, food and drink, health, wellness and beauty, stationery, home-ware, home appliances, furniture, and much more.

Products And Services

Harrods offers an extensive range of luxury products, carefully curated to reflect the finest in quality, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. From high-end fashion and accessories to exquisite jewellery, beauty products, and home furnishings, Harrods’s product selection represents the pinnacle of global luxury brands. Whether customers are seeking bespoke couture, rare designer pieces, or exclusive collaborations, Harrods ensures that every product meets its uncompromising standards of excellence. Additionally, the store offers a wide array of gourmet food and beverages, including its iconic Food Halls, where customers can indulge in delicacies from around the world.

Beyond its extensive product offerings, Harrods is renowned for its exceptional services that elevate the shopping experience. The store offers personalized shopping services, including personal stylists and private shopping appointments, ensuring that each customer receives bespoke attention tailored to their individual tastes and preferences. The British retailer also provides home delivery and international shipping, allowing customers from across the globe to access its exclusive range of products. The store’s services are designed to provide convenience and exclusivity, offering customers a seamless shopping experience whether they visit the Knightsbridge location or shop online.

Harrods also offers a range of luxurious experiences that go beyond traditional retail. From in-store beauty treatments and spa services to bespoke tailoring and made-to-order fashion, Harrods aims to provide an immersive experience that caters to every aspect of a luxury lifestyle. The store’s concierge services, including travel planning and personal gifting, further enhance its reputation as a destination where customers can access not just products but also services that meet their every need. By offering a combination of products and experiences, Harrods continues to redefine what luxury retail means in the modern age.

References

• Official website Harrods
• Life Lessons From Michael Ward, Harrods’ Managing Director Forbes
• Harrods smashes £2bn sales mark for the first time Retail Gazette
• Harrods expands its e-commerce options South China Morning Post
• Facebook profile of Harrods Facebook
• Why Harrods’ marketing boss doesn’t believe in segmentation Marketing Week
• Harrods eyes Shanghai to cash in on China’s new wealth Guardian
• Instagram profile of Harrods Instagram
• Harrods’ history BBC
• Don’t come as you are: There is only Harrods dress code Independent
• Qatar investor buys UK department store Harrods Reuters
• New book reveals that the first Harrods shop was in Borough Southwark News
• Twitter profile of Harrods Twitter
• Mohamed Al Fayed ‘sells Harrods to Qatari royal family in £1.5bn deal’ Guardian
• Youtube profile of Harrods Youtube
• LinkedIn profile of Harrods LinkedIn
• Wikipedia profile of Harrods Wikipedia
• Harrods £68m in red and faces strike by dozens of restaurant workers Guardian
• Tandem gets banking licence after closing Harrods Bank acquisition Fin Extra