Harrods — Attraction in London

Harrods is one of London's most iconic luxury department stores, representing over 175 years of British retail excellence and serving as a global symbol of luxury shopping. Located in the prestigious Knightsbridge district, this Grade II listed building has evolved from humble beginnings to become Europe's largest department store.

Historical Foundation and Evolution

Harrods traces its origins to 1824 when Charles Henry Harrod, at just 25 years old, established his first business at 228 Borough High Street in Southwark as a draper, mercer, and haberdasher1. The business went through several iterations in its early years, including a brief partnership called "Harrod and Wicking, Linen Drapers, Retail" in 1825, which was dissolved by the end of that year1].

In 1834, Harrod established a wholesale grocery business in London's East End at 4 Cable Street in Stepney, specializing in tea[1]. The pivotal moment came in 1849 when, hoping to capitalize on trade during the Great Exhibition of 1851 in nearby Hyde Park, Harrod took over a small shop in the Brompton district on the site of the current store[1. This single room operation employed just two assistants and a messenger boy, primarily selling tea and groceries4.

Growth and Transformation

Under the management of Charles Digby Harrod, the founder's son, the business transformed dramatically during the 1860s and 1870s. By 1880, Harrods had become a thriving department store employing nearly 100 people and offering an expanded range of products including medicines, perfumes, stationery, fruits, and vegetables1. The store had acquired adjoining buildings and established itself as a destination for wealthy customers6].

A significant setback occurred in December 1883 when a devastating fire completely destroyed the building[6. Remarkably, despite this disaster, Harrods managed to fulfill all Christmas orders that year and even recorded substantial profits. The resilience shown during this crisis enhanced the store's reputation for exceptional customer service5].

Architectural Marvel

Following the 1883 fire, architect Charles William Stephens was commissioned to design a new building[9]. His grand vision, featuring terracotta tiles, cherubs, and Art Nouveau windows, created the magnificent structure that visitors see today[9]. The current building opened in 1905 and was designed specifically for Charles Digby Harrod[1]. The store's distinctive green awnings and ornate gold facade have become synonymous with luxury retail in London[6].

Scale and Modern Operations

Today, Harrods spans an impressive 1,100,000 square feet (100,000 m²) of selling space across seven floors, making it the largest department store in Europe and one of the largest globally[1. The store features over 330 departments covering a 5-acre site8], offering everything from luxury goods to everyday items under its motto "Omnia Omnibus Ubique" - All Things for All People, Everywhere[4].

The store attracts approximately 15 million visitors annually as of 2023, with the majority being tourists rather than local Londoners[1. This massive footfall demonstrates Harrods' status as both a shopping destination and a tourist attraction.

Innovation and Pioneering Spirit

Harrods has consistently been at the forefront of retail innovation. Most notably, it installed London's first escalator in 18983. On opening day, staff positioned themselves at the top offering brandy to customers who were understandably nervous about this new mechanical marvel6]. This pioneering spirit extended to various services throughout its history, including offering deportment lessons for debutantes, flying lessons, and maintaining extensive facilities like waiting rooms, fitting rooms, a post office, circulating library, music room, and tourist office[6.

Ownership Evolution

The ownership of Harrods has changed hands several times throughout its history. Charles Digby Harrod retired in 1889 and sold the company through a stock...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the chocolate area at Harrods, and it was truly a delightful experience for any chocolate lover. From the moment I stepped into the section, I was greeted by a heavenly aroma of cocoa and a visually stunning display of chocolate creations.

The variety and selection of chocolates available at Harrods are simply astounding. From artisanal truffles to delectable chocolate bars, there was something to suit every taste and preference. The range of flavors, textures, and origins of the chocolates showcased the expertise and dedication to quality that Harrods is known for.

One aspect that stood out to me was the exceptional quality of the chocolates. Each piece was crafted with precision and care, using the finest ingredients. The flavors were rich and well-balanced, with a complexity that delighted the palate. It was evident that the chocolatiers at Harrods have a deep understanding and passion for their craft.

The presentation of the chocolates was also impeccable. The packaging was elegant and luxurious, making them perfect for gifting or indulging in a personal treat. The attention to detail was remarkable, from the intricate designs on the chocolate truffles to the beautiful wrapping of the chocolate bars. It truly added to the overall experience and made each bite feel special.

The service at Harrods was exceptional. The staff members were knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to assist in finding the perfect chocolate selection. They were happy to offer recommendations and provide information about the different brands and flavors available. Their passion for chocolate was infectious, and it added to the overall enjoyment of the visit.

The ambience of the chocolate area was inviting and luxurious. The displays were meticulously arranged, creating an enticing visual feast for the eyes. The seating areas provided a comfortable and relaxed environment to savor the chocolates and enjoy a moment of indulgence.

However, one aspect that could be improved is the pricing of the shopping bags. Harrods charges £8 for a bag, which I found to be quite steep and not in line with the overall experience. While I understand that luxury comes at a price, the charge for a bag felt excessive and unnecessary.

Despite this minor drawback, the chocolate area at Harrods remains a haven for chocolate enthusiasts. With its wide selection of exquisite chocolates, exceptional quality, attentive service, and luxurious ambience, it is a destination that should not be missed. Whether you're searching for a special gift or simply want to treat yourself to a moment of chocolate bliss, Harrods' chocolate area is sure to exceed your...

Harrods: where dreams are made, then promptly shattered by price tags. We decided to brave this iconic London institution, and what a journey it was. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it feels like to walk into a museum where everything is technically for sale but only if you’ve got a private jet parked outside, Harrods is the place for you.

Let’s start with the basics: this store is huge. You could get lost for hours wandering through the endless halls of designer everything, wondering what it must be like to casually purchase a diamond-encrusted handbag that costs more than your mortgage. Spoiler alert: we didn’t buy it. Actually, we didn’t buy anything. Not a scarf, not a candle, not even a bottle of water (yes, they sell designer water).

The employees, bless their souls, are masters of pretending not to notice how out of place you are while expertly avoiding eye contact. I’m convinced they’re trained to silently communicate, “Don’t touch that unless you can afford it,” with a single glance. Honestly, I don’t blame them; I couldn’t afford to touch it either. I suspect they’re not shopping there after their shifts, either.

The food hall, however, was a whole different kind of torture. Picture rows upon rows of the most exquisite pastries, chocolates, cheeses, and other gourmet delights, all looking so delectable you can practically hear them taunting you: “You can have a bite… if you don’t mind spending £50 on a sandwich.” My one regret in life now is not taking out a small loan to buy a cupcake. That might have been worth it.

And then there’s the infamous toy department. Why, oh why, did I bring my children here? It’s like walking into Santa’s workshop if Santa were a billionaire oligarch. Life-sized stuffed animals, remote-controlled cars that look like they could actually enter a Grand Prix, and dollhouses more luxurious than our actual house. My kids were wide-eyed with wonder while I was wide-eyed calculating how many kidneys I’d need to sell to buy a Lego set. The only thing I left with was the profound regret of exposing my children to a world where toys cost more than their education.

Despite all this, Harrods is worth a visit for the experience alone. It’s like stepping into a parallel universe where everything is shiny, beautiful, and laughably unattainable. So, yes, go to Harrods. Gawk at the opulence, pretend to be a millionaire for an afternoon, and maybe treat yourself to a macaron if you’re feeling flush. Just don’t bring the kids—or your credit card. Unless, of course, you’re ready to take out a second mortgage for a...