Harrods Store

The first Harrods Store was opened in 1834 by Charles Henry Harrod in Stepney, East London. Charles saw an opportunity when he realized the Great Exhibition of 1851 could be used to his best advantage.

He opened a small shop in readiness in 1849 on the site of the current Harrods department store in Knightsbridge – in those days just a small village. The store thrived, selling perfumes, fruit, vegetables and medicines amongst other things.

Charles’s son (also named Charles) took over the business and it quickly grew. So much so, Harrods expanded into the neighboring buildings and by 1880 was employing over 100 staff. Harrods store became known for its quality products and excellent personalized service.

The Harrod’s motto is ‘Everything for Everybody, Everywhere’ and over the years they have lived up to it. For example, Alfred Hitchcock had fresh herrings flown to him in Hollywood, Noel coward bought an alligator from the Harrods Pet Shop and Ronald Reagan was the recipient of an elephant called Gertie. They have made yachts to order, sold airplanes and built houses.

Harrods Store, located at 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL, is one of the most famous stores in the world and is crammed full of high quality and luxury products.

It is an exquisitely decorated building that covers an area of 80,000sq metres spread out across seven floors and illuminated by 11,500 light bulbs every night. You can’t fail to be impressed with the magnificent Food Halls on the lower ground. Other departments of note are the Egyptian Halls and the Crystal Rooms and you must visit the Toy department – which many people regard to be the best in London.