Harrods: What Makes It Special?

Harrods is known world over as a high end shopping and luxury store in London. The place is over 184 years old and spans over 5 acres of land. From its humble beginnings to becoming the powerful palace of shopping located on the Knightsbridge high street, Harrods has quite a spectacular history. 

What Macy’s is to New York, Harrods is to London. It is a host to around 300,000 customers on its busiest days, most of whom don’t speak English. The place employs more than 5000 staff members from over 50 countries to cater to its wide customer base and serve them in the best manner possible. You would require almost the whole day to cover the store going through all its sections. The ideal way to end the day would be to devour the blast of flavours at one of London’s top south Indian restaurants, Ooty. It is situated right around the corner from the store. 

Family Business

The place began as a small family business established by one man. The year 1824 marks the beginning of Harrods journey to become the brand it is today. Charles Henry Harrods at the age of 25, started the shop that was listed as a draper, haberdashery, and mercer. He also had a partner named Wicking that lasted only for a few months. 

Later on, in 1834 Harrods opened a greengrocers store that specialized in exotic exports such as tea. He shifted his business to an area closer to Hyde Park in 1849. This was soon followed by his son Charles Digby Harrods taking over the leadership. 

An Arduous Journey

Until the younger Harrods took over the business, the store was a one room store in Knightsbridge with just 3 employees. He built on his father’s model by increasing the products offers including perfumes, stationery, medicines, groceries and haberdashery. The store has also seen major setbacks on its way to the top. In December 1883, a fire broke out in the building, turning the whole place into ashes. Despite this grave event, the store ensured that it delivered all its clients orders in time for Christmas. This is how the store has managed to create such loyal customers. It has always placed the customers’ needs before everything. 

Christmas Delight

A trip to London around Christmas season is incomplete unless you visit Harrods. The city itself is a pretty sight to behold with the Christmas trees, snow, lights and the general joy in the air. The same spirits are reflected within Harrods. It covers the building with sparkling fairy lights and Christmas décor that gives it a dreamy atmosphere. 

These charms make for a must visit to Harrods when in London.