Best Shopping deals in London-Harrods London

Harrods is London’s prominent department store, housed by a magnificent building.

A majority of visitors to London pay a visit to this opulent department store, with its wide selection of luxurious goods. In fact, a considerable portion of the store’s sales are from foreign visitors. Upon leaving, the store often offers customers a signature green bag.

History

The history of this famous luxury store goes back to 1849, when Charles Henry Harrod opened a grocery at Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, which at the time was a small village just outside London. Just two years later, during the Great Exhibition of 1851, which took place at Crystal Palace in nearby Hyde Park, many visitors came to the area.

Charles Harrod's son (also named Charles), took over and quickly expanded the store, at the time known as 'Harrods Stores'. The department store became well known for its high quality products and excellent personalised service.

In 1894, Harrods was taken over by Richard Burbridge, who carried out a reconstruction of the store. He also installed London's first escalator in 1898. The current building was also commissioned by Burbridge. The impressive domed structure was built between 1901 and 1905, after a design by local architects C. W. Stephens and E. J. Munt.

The Department Store

Harrods is one of the world's most famous stores and one of London's tourist attractions. The store stocks a compelling and wide assortment of luxury goods that are on display in a magnificently decorated building.

Omna, Omnibus, Ubique

The enormous array of products is particularly impressive. The company's motto, which is engraved on the building's pediment is: Omnia, Omnibus, Ubique (Everything, for everyone, everywhere). Harrods used to be known as the store where anything you could think of was for sale. While this may not be the case anymore, the assortment is still enormous. You can purchase anything from historic 18th century dinner plates or giant teddy bears to exquisite caviar.

It is best to take your time for a visit to the large store, which covers an area of about 80,000 sq m, spread out over seven floors. Floor plans are available near the entrances.

Egyptian Decorations

One of the most beautiful departments of the store is the magnificent Food Hall on the lower floor, decorated with tiles created by artist Williams James Neatby. Other impressive departments include the Egyptian Halls and the Crystal Rooms. Also worthy of note is the central escalator, decorated with Egyptian motives. And don't forget to visit the toy department, which is the city's best.

Knightsbridge

The success of Harrods attracted a number of other entrepreneurs to Knightsbridge, resulting in an upscale shopping district. Nearby are luxury stores such as Harvey Nichols and Burberry. Sloane Street, one of the most famous shopping streets in London, is just around the corner.

Are you considering visiting London and the U.K.? Then contact the London official visitor agency-Visit London and Partners at: 08701 566 366  visitorinfo@londonandpartners.com     

You can also contact the City of London Information Centre: Opposite St Paul's Cathedral:

City of London, Guildhall, PO Box 270, London, EC2P 2EJ     pro@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Telephone: 020 7606 3030

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