Harrods world famous brand
The name Harrods is known throughout Europe and around the world for
its dedication to service, and
the highest possible quality. This is embodied in the store's motto," Omnia Omnibus Ubique - All Things,
For All People, Everywhere. While the retailer has shops in fashionable districts and airports around
the globe, the epicenter of this empire is the flagship department store in Knightsbridge. It is here
that shoppers flock every Christmas to marvel as the splendors available, then again descend on the
great halls weeks later to pick through its world-famous annual sale.
Harrod's a brief history
So how does a single store become this famous? It started with Charles Henry Harrod, who in 1849 opened
a small shop in Knightsbridge. Harrod was already established as a successful grocer when he struck out
on his own. He had the fortune of opening up shop in an area that was just becoming a haunt of the rich
and famous. His new neighbors with their newly minted money learned of his department store and his
willingness to seek out the most incredible objects to fulfill their desires. Harrod had experience in
tea imports, so this was a natural extension of his existing talents. Over time the grocery line expanded
into glassware, linens, and objects d'art. As the business grew, so did the store, taking over adjacent
properties as necessary until it took over the entire block and became the biggest store in London. The
key to Harrod's success is simple, but it is a formula that has escaped other retailers -- high quality,
consistent over time. For a more complete history of Harrods see our History of Harrods feature page.
Unusual Facts about Harrods
- It was at Harrod's that A.A. Milne purchased a stuffed bear for his son. That bear later became
the inspiration for "Winnie the Pooh."
- Harrod's had the first escalator in Britain. The exterior of the department store is outlined with
11,500 light bulbs.
- 1997 - A memorial is erected inside the store to Princess Diana and Dodi Al Fayed, who were killed
in a car crash in Paris. At the time of their deaths, the store was owned by Dodi's father,
Mohammed Al Fayed.
Harrods has remained London's premier retail outlet and through constant innovation and evolution,
has not only adapted to the changing trends throughout the years, but has also been at the forefront
of them. Yet, the fundamental ethic of selling quality merchandise and giving customers exemplary
service has never been questioned or compromised. The same practice is applied to the website so…
needed to be done in order to prepare it for the decades ahead. He instigated a massive £400 million
refurbishment project in order to return the 'Palace in Knightsbridge' to its former glory. Every
corner of the department store received Mr Al Fayed's attention and, as well as refurbishing the
fabric of the building - including the exquisite Edwardian terracotta façade - enchanting new rooms
and facilities were added.