Britain has some of the most famous and admired department stores in the world, so if you fancy a bit of relaxation and retail therapy where’s the best places to go?
Harrods of Knightsbridge is probably the name in department stores anywhere in the world, with it’s 300 departments selling everything from specialist foods to children’s toys and everything in between. The shop once seen as exclusively for the rich and famous, has turned into a must-see tourist attraction as much as a shopping mecca with many making the trip to the store just to get a Harrods shopping bag.
Contrary to myth, there are reasonably priced items in the store at least going by London prices, although if you want to spend £2000 on a children’s toy car the toy department would be happy to oblige.
Harvey Nichols in London is to fashion what Harrods is to tourism. The department store has a reputation for exclusive fashions from very top name designers, with equally top name price tags. But don’t be put off visiting, there are bargains to be had in the store and since everyone and her dog have a Harrods bag, walking down the street with a Harvey Nic’s bag will definitely impress the neighbours.
Liberty of London was opened in 1875 and has been at the forefront of fashion, cosmetics and homewares since then. The store might not be as well known as the two above, but what it lacks in fame it more than makes up for in fashionable ranges and serving it’s clientèle.
Another strong point about Liberty is the Tudor style architecture of the building which gives the whole store an exclusivity feel like no other department store in the world.
Selfridges only has 4 department stores around the UK, but what they lack in size they more than make up for in customer service knowledge.
Selfridges flagship London store is unmissable due to the huge greek-style stone columns which adorn the front of the building, looking more like the Greek Parthenon than a shop.
In Birmingham the designers took completely the opposite approach and built one of the most modern buildings in the country, covered in small metal “studs” on the side of the newly revamped Bullring Centre.
Debenhams is similar in many ways to Selfridges, but perhaps a little more affordable and down to earth with the ranges. They sell a much wider selection of goods especially in homewares and as such are an absolute favourite with their wedding list service.
There are over 50 Debenhams stores around the UK thus making them a more suitable choice for many. They also have a fairly unique policy in the retail world where the staff share in the profits of the company, which might explain why they always seem to be very helpful and keen on customer service.
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