Harrods

Harrods is a luxury department store located on Brompton Road in the Knightsbridge district of London, England. It is one of the world’s best-known retailers and a major destination for shoppers and tourists. The store offers a wide range of goods, including fashion, jewelry, beauty products, homeware, and electronics, along with a renowned Food Hall that features groceries, prepared foods, and delicatessen items.

History and development: Harrods began in 1834 when Charles Henry Harrod opened a small grocery in the area. The business expanded over the following decades, moving to the current Knightsbridge site and evolving into a large multi-floor department store. Through the 19th and 20th centuries, Harrods became associated with luxury retail and a high level of service, building its reputation as a premier shopping destination.

Ownership and governance: The store remained under family ownership for much of its history. In 1985, it was purchased by Mohamed Al-Fayed, who invested in expansion and modernization. In 2010, Harrods was sold to Qatar Holdings, a subsidiary of the Qatar Investment Authority, for about £1.5 billion. Since then, it has operated as part of the Harrods Group under Qatari ownership, while continuing to function as a standalone luxury retail emporium.

Building and operations: The flagship store occupies a substantial urban block on Brompton Road and encompasses numerous departments across multiple floors. In addition to in-store shopping, Harrods operates an online shop and provides services such as personal shopping and tax-free shopping for international customers. The store is frequently cited for its distinctive architecture, extensive product range, and status as a symbol of luxury retail.