Harrods is one of the most iconic department stores in the world, known for its luxury products, opulent decor, and exceptional service.
Located in the heart of London’s Knightsbridge neighbourhood, Harrods has been a destination for discerning shoppers since it first opened its doors in 1849. Here are 15 interesting facts about this legendary retailer:
Harrods was founded by Charles Henry Harrod, who started out as a tea merchant in London in the early 19th century.
1 Charles Henry Harrod founded Harrods in 1834 as a small grocery store in London’s East End. Harrod’s early business focused on selling tea and groceries, but the store gradually expanded to include a wider range of goods.
As Harrod’s reputation grew, it became a destination for wealthy and fashionable customers, and the store moved to its current location on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge in 1851. Today, Harrods is one of the most famous luxury department stores in the world, known for its opulent interior, high-end merchandise, and royal warrant as a supplier of goods to the British monarchy.
The store was originally located in the East End of London, but moved to its current location in Knightsbridge in 1851.
2 After Charles Henry Harrod founded the store in 1834 in the East End of London, it gradually expanded and moved several times to larger locations. In 1849, Charles Digby Harrod, Charles Henry Harrod’s son, took over the business and decided to move the store to a more central and upscale location in Knightsbridge.
The new location at 87-135 Brompton Road was designed by architect Charles William Stephens and opened in 1851. Over the years, the store continued to expand and acquire neighbouring properties, becoming the iconic luxury department store that it is today.
Harrods was acquired by the Qatari royal family in 2010, for a reported sum of £1.5 billion.
3 Harrods was sold by its previous owner, Mohamed Al-Fayed, to Qatar Holdings, the sovereign wealth fund of the Qatari royal family.
The exact amount of the sale was not publicly disclosed, but it was widely reported to be around £1.5 billion. Under the new ownership, Harrods has continued to expand and invest in its operations, including a major renovation of its famous Food Halls, which were completed in 2018.
Harrods is known for its distinctive green and gold branding, which has been in use since the early 1900s.
4 The store’s branding features a deep forest green colour, which is often used as a background colour on Harrods’ shopping bags, carrier bags, and gift boxes. The gold accents used in the branding add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the store’s overall aesthetic.
The green and gold branding has been in use at Harrods since the early 1900s, and it has become a recognizable symbol of luxury and quality in the retail industry. The branding has been updated and modernized over the years, but the basic colour scheme has remained the same, making it a classic and enduring part of Harrods’ identity.
Overall, the distinctive green and gold branding of Harrods is an important part of the store’s history and reputation, and it has helped to establish Harrods as one of the most recognizable and respected luxury brands in the world.
Harrods’ Food Halls are one of the store’s most famous and popular features, and they offer an incredible selection of gourmet foods and ingredients.
5 The Food Halls are located on the ground floor of the store and are divided into several sections, each specializing in a different type of food or cuisine. Some of the sections include:
Fresh produce: This section features a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables, including many exotic and hard-to-find varieties.
Meats and cheeses: This section offers a selection of high-quality meats, including beef, lamb, and pork, as well as a range of cheeses from around the world. Prepared dishes: This section features a variety of freshly prepared dishes, including soups, salads, sandwiches, and hot meals.
Baked goods: This section offers a range of fresh-baked breads, pastries, and cakes, as well as a selection of chocolates and other sweet treats.
The Food Halls are known for their incredible selection of high-quality, gourmet foods, as well as for their beautiful and elaborate displays. Many of the foods are presented in artistic and visually stunning ways, making the Food Halls a feast for the senses.
Overall, the Food Halls are a must-visit destination for anyone who loves food and cooking, and they are one of the many reasons why Harrods is such a beloved and iconic store.
Harrods has its own unique zip code, SW1X 7XL, which is used exclusively for the store’s mail and deliveries.
6 It helps to ensure that all of the store’s packages and correspondence are directed to the right place.
The SW1X 7XL zip code is located in the Knightsbridge neighbourhood of London, where Harrods is situated. This neighbourhood is known for its luxury shops, hotels, and restaurants, and it is one of the most affluent areas of the city.
Having its own unique zip code is just one of the many ways that Harrods stands out as a unique and exclusive shopping destination. It is a testament to the store’s reputation and prestige, and it reflects the high level of service and attention to detail that Harrods is known for.
Overall, the SW1X 7XL zip code is a small but important part of what makes Harrods such a special and iconic store.
Harrods’ green shopping bags are an iconic symbol of luxury and exclusivity, and they are highly coveted by many customers.
7 The bags are made from high-quality materials and feature the store’s distinctive green and gold branding, with the Harrods logo prominently displayed.
Many customers see the green shopping bags as a status symbol and use them as a way to show off their Harrods purchases. The bags are often seen on the streets of London and in other cities around the world, and they have become a recognizable symbol of luxury and sophistication.
In addition to the traditional green shopping bags, Harrods also offers a range of other branded merchandise, including clothing, accessories, and home goods. These items are often emblazoned with the Harrods logo and are popular with customers who want to show their loyalty to the store.
Overall, Harrods’ green shopping bags are a small but important part of the store’s identity and reputation. They are a symbol of luxury and exclusivity, and they help to reinforce Harrods’ position as one of the world’s most prestigious and iconic department stores.
Harrods is home to the Princess Diana memorial, which was established in honor of the late Princess of Wales, who was a frequent shopper at the store.
8 The Princess Diana Memorial Fountain is located in Hyde Park, London, but Harrods also has a memorial dedicated to the late Princess of Wales. The memorial is a bronze statue of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed, who tragically died in a car accident in 1997.
The statue is located on the lower ground floor of the Harrods store and is surrounded by a memorial to all the victims of the accident. The memorial was unveiled in 2005 and has since become a popular tourist attraction.
The store is known for its exceptional customer service, with a team of more than 5,000 employees dedicated to ensuring a seamless shopping experience for every customer.
9 Harrods is widely regarded as one of the world’s most iconic and luxurious department stores, and customer service is a crucial aspect of its brand identity. The store employs over 5,000 people, including sales associates, personal shoppers, and customer service representatives, who are all trained to provide exceptional service and hospitality to customers from around the world.
Harrods’ commitment to customer service is reflected in its wide range of services and amenities, including in-store styling consultations, personal shopping experiences, concierge services, and VIP suites for high-end customers. The store also offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes to high-end restaurants, to ensure that customers have a memorable and enjoyable shopping experience.
Overall, Harrods’ focus on customer service has helped it build a loyal customer base and maintain its reputation as one of the world’s most prestigious and sought-after shopping destinations.
Harrods Rewards is the loyalty program of Harrods, which offers members a range of benefits and privileges.
10 The program is free to join and open to all customers who shop at Harrods, whether in-store or online.
As a member of Harrods Rewards, customers can earn points on their purchases, which can be redeemed for discounts and other rewards. Members also receive access to exclusive promotions and events, as well as complimentary services such as personal shopping and styling consultations.
In addition, Harrods Rewards members receive priority access to the store’s seasonal sales, as well as invitations to exclusive events and experiences, such as fashion shows and product launches. The program also offers members access to a dedicated customer service team, who are available to assist with any questions or concerns.
Overall, Harrods Rewards is designed to reward loyal customers and enhance their shopping experience at Harrods, while also providing a range of exclusive benefits and privileges.
Harrods has its own range of branded merchandise, which includes luxury goods such as handbags, watches, fragrances, and more.
11 The Harrods brand is synonymous with luxury and quality, and its branded products are highly sought-after by customers from around the world.
The store’s range of branded merchandise includes a wide variety of products, from fashion accessories such as handbags, wallets, and scarves, to high-end watches and jewelry. The Harrods brand is also associated with premium fragrances and beauty products, including its signature scent, the Harrods London Fragrance.
In addition to its own branded merchandise, Harrods also offers a wide range of products from other luxury brands, including designer clothing, shoes, and accessories, as well as home decor, gourmet food, and other high-end goods.
Overall, Harrods’ range of branded merchandise is a key part of its brand identity and reflects the store’s commitment to luxury, quality, and style. It also offers customers the opportunity to own a piece of the Harrods brand and experience a touch of the store’s exclusive style and elegance in their own lives.
Harrods is famous for its elaborate and imaginative window displays, which are a key feature of the store’s visual identity.
12 The displays are often themed around seasonal events or holidays, and are designed to capture the attention and imagination of customers and passers-by.
Harrods’ window displays are renowned for their creativity and attention to detail, with each display featuring a unique and often elaborate scene, complete with carefully crafted props, lighting, and special effects. The displays are updated regularly throughout the year, to reflect the changing seasons and upcoming events.
In addition to the window displays, Harrods’ interior decor is also known for its grandeur and luxury. The store’s architecture and design features intricate details, high ceilings, and luxurious finishes, creating a truly immersive shopping experience.
Overall, Harrods’ window displays and interior decor are an important part of the store’s brand identity and contribute to its reputation as one of the world’s most iconic and luxurious shopping destinations.
Harrods has a dress code that applies to all visitors to the store.
13 The dress code is designed to maintain a certain level of decorum and respect for the store’s luxury atmosphere and high-end clientele.
The dress code prohibits certain types of clothing, including ripped jeans, shorts, beachwear, and athletic wear such as gym clothes or tracksuits. Visitors are also asked to avoid wearing flip flops, bare feet, or clothing with offensive slogans or logos.
While the dress code is not strictly enforced, visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately when visiting Harrods, to ensure a comfortable and respectful shopping experience for all customers. The store’s dress code reflects its commitment to maintaining a certain level of elegance and luxury, and to creating a unique and unforgettable shopping experience for its customers.
Harrods is a popular tourist attraction, and millions of visitors from around the world.
14 The store is widely regarded as one of the world’s most iconic and prestigious shopping destinations, and is a must-visit location for many tourists visiting London.
Harrods’ reputation as a tourist attraction is due in part to its history and cultural significance, as well as its impressive architecture, elaborate window displays, and luxurious offerings. The store’s international reputation also makes it a popular destination for shoppers seeking high-end and exclusive products that may not be available in their home countries.
In addition to shopping, Harrods also offers a range of dining options, including cafes, restaurants, and bars, as well as a variety of services and amenities, such as personal shopping, concierge services, and luxury spas. The store’s location in the heart of London’s upscale Knightsbridge neighbourhood also makes it a popular destination for visitors seeking to experience the city’s luxury lifestyle.
Overall, Harrods’ popularity as a tourist attraction reflects its status as a global icon of luxury and sophistication, and its ability to offer a truly unique and unforgettable shopping and dining experience for visitors from around the world.
