Harrods is the most famous London mall. It is situated in Brompton Street, near Hyde Park. It is owned by Quatar i. e. the Quatar Royal Family. The shopping mall spreads over an area of 2 hectares, with 330 departments taking up around 100 thousand square meters. Harrods is one of the largest and most famous shopping malls in Europe. The founder of this mall was Charles Henry Harrods, a London entrepreneur who opened the doors to his business in 1824, and in 1849 he moved his shop to the plot where Harrods stands to this day.
Charles started by selling with only two sellers and a courier who delivered packages. His son, Digby Harrods, inherited his father’s business and lead the store which sold everything from perfumes to fruit. He significantly enlarged is father’s business, managing to employ almost 100 people.
In December of 1883, Harrods burned to the ground, but was rebuilt soon after. Customers in the newly-built store included celebrities who could buy on credit. The shopping mall was also visited by members of the royal family. The store was bought by Egyptian Mogamed Al Fayed in 1985, who sold it to Quatar Holdings in 2010. It is rumored that the price was £1.5 billion.
The first escalator in the world was installed in Harrods in 1893. During the first few months, customers didnćt want to use them, as they were scared and suspicious of the new invention. Harrods encouraged them to use them by giving them free drinks.
Harrods is one of the most exclusive shopping malls in the world, as well as one of the most expensive, so tourists usually buy small souvenirs such as tea, chocolates and other bits and pieces for their families at home.
Working hours of Harrods:
Monday thru Friday: between 10am and 8pm
Sundays: between 11:30am and 6pm
