London

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Department Stores

Large stores offering a wide selection of goods, from fashion to homeware, often featuring food halls and cafes.

Sections

Popular Department Stores in London

1. Harrods

  • Location: 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL
  • Products and Services:
    • Luxury fashion (designer clothing, shoes, and accessories)
    • Fine jewelry and watches
    • Beauty and skincare products
    • Homeware and furniture
    • Gourmet food and wine (including the famous Harrods Food Halls)
    • Personal shopping and bespoke tailoring services
  • Price Range: High-end luxury; expect premium prices.
  • Unique Features:
    • The Egyptian Escalator: A stunning, themed escalator.
    • Harrods Food Halls: A must-visit for gourmet food lovers.
    • Seasonal displays: Extravagant Christmas decorations and window displays.
  • Opening Hours:
    • Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM โ€“ 9:00 PM
    • Sunday: 11:30 AM โ€“ 6:00 PM (browsing only until 12:00 PM)
  • Tips:
    • Dress smartly; Harrods has a dress code (no beachwear, flip-flops, or offensive clothing).
    • Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially in the Food Halls.

2. Selfridges

  • Location: 400 Oxford Street, Marylebone, W1A 1AB
  • Products and Services:
    • High-end and mid-range fashion
    • Beauty and skincare products
    • Technology and gadgets
    • Homeware and furniture
    • Gourmet food and restaurants
    • Personal shopping and styling services
  • Price Range: Mid-range to luxury.
  • Unique Features:
    • The Wonder Room: A space dedicated to fine jewelry and watches.
    • The Food Hall: Offers a variety of international cuisines and gourmet products.
    • Pop-up shops and exclusive collaborations with designers.
  • Opening Hours:
    • Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM โ€“ 9:00 PM
    • Sunday: 11:30 AM โ€“ 6:00 PM (browsing only until 12:00 PM)
  • Tips:
    • Check out the rooftop restaurant for a unique dining experience.
    • Look for seasonal sales, especially during Boxing Day and summer.

3. Liberty London

  • Location: Regent Street, Carnaby, W1B 5AH
  • Products and Services:
    • Designer fashion and accessories
    • Unique homeware and furniture
    • Luxury beauty products
    • Libertyโ€™s iconic floral and paisley print fabrics
  • Price Range: Mid-range to luxury.
  • Unique Features:
    • The Tudor-style building is an architectural gem.
    • Known for its curated selection of unique and artisanal products.
  • Opening Hours:
    • Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM โ€“ 8:00 PM
    • Sunday: 12:00 PM โ€“ 6:00 PM
  • Tips:
    • Visit the fabric section for exclusive Liberty prints.
    • Explore the beauty hall for niche and luxury brands.

4. Fortnum & Mason

  • Location: 181 Piccadilly, St. James's, W1A 1ER
  • Products and Services:
    • Gourmet food and hampers
    • Fine teas and wines
    • Luxury homeware and gifts
    • Beauty and skincare products
  • Price Range: Mid-range to luxury.
  • Unique Features:
    • Famous for its luxury hampers, which make excellent gifts.
    • The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon offers a quintessential British afternoon tea experience.
  • Opening Hours:
    • Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM โ€“ 9:00 PM
    • Sunday: 11:30 AM โ€“ 6:00 PM (browsing only until 12:00 PM)
  • Tips:
    • Book in advance for afternoon tea.
    • Visit during Christmas for beautifully curated holiday hampers.

5. John Lewis & Partners

  • Location: 300 Oxford Street, Marylebone, W1C 1DX
  • Products and Services:
    • Affordable to mid-range fashion
    • Homeware and furniture
    • Electronics and appliances
    • Beauty and skincare products
    • Nursery and childrenโ€™s products
  • Price Range: Affordable to mid-range.
  • Unique Features:
    • Known for excellent customer service and a wide range of products.
    • Offers price-matching under their โ€œNever Knowingly Undersoldโ€ policy.
  • Opening Hours:
    • Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM โ€“ 8:00 PM
    • Sunday: 12:00 PM โ€“ 6:00 PM
  • Tips:
    • Great for practical shopping needs and gifts.
    • Check out their seasonal sales for discounts.

6. Marks & Spencer (M&S)

  • Location: Multiple locations, flagship store at 458 Oxford Street, W1C 1AP
  • Products and Services:
    • Affordable fashion and basics
    • Homeware and furniture
    • Food and groceries (M&S Food Hall)
  • Price Range: Affordable to mid-range.
  • Unique Features:
    • Known for high-quality food products and ready meals.
    • Offers a good selection of British-made goods.
  • Opening Hours:
    • Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM โ€“ 9:00 PM
    • Sunday: 12:00 PM โ€“ 6:00 PM
  • Tips:
    • Visit the Food Hall for British treats like shortbread and tea.
    • Look for multi-buy deals on clothing and food.

Cultural and Practical Considerations

  1. VAT Refunds for Tourists:

    • Non-UK residents can claim a VAT refund on purchases made in the UK.
    • Look for stores that display a โ€œTax-Free Shoppingโ€ sign.
    • Request a VAT refund form at the time of purchase and present it, along with your receipts, at the airport when leaving the UK.
    • Note: VAT refunds are subject to a minimum spend, and processing fees may apply.

  2. Seasonal Sales:

    • Boxing Day Sales (December 26th): One of the biggest shopping days of the year, with significant discounts.
    • Summer Sales: Typically start in late June or early July.
    • Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure the best deals.

  3. Shopping Etiquette:

    • Be polite and patient, especially during busy times.
    • In luxury stores, staff may approach you to assist; itโ€™s customary to accept their help or politely decline.
    • Tipping is not expected in stores but is appreciated in restaurants or salons within department stores.

  4. Payment Methods:

    • Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including contactless payments.
    • Some stores accept foreign currencies, but itโ€™s best to pay in GBP for better exchange rates.

  5. Bag Policy:

    • Many stores charge for plastic bags (typically 10p per bag). Bring a reusable shopping bag to save money and reduce waste.

  6. Accessibility:

    • Most department stores are wheelchair accessible and have lifts and accessible restrooms.
    • Some stores offer personal shopping services for customers with specific needs.

Tips for Navigating Londonโ€™s Department Stores

  • Plan Your Visit: Check the storeโ€™s website for maps, events, and promotions before you go.
  • Timing: Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid peak crowds.
  • Public Transport: Most department stores are located near major Tube stations. For example:
    • Harrods: Knightsbridge Station (Piccadilly Line)
    • Selfridges: Bond Street Station (Central and Jubilee Lines)
    • Liberty: Oxford Circus Station (Central, Bakerloo, and Victoria Lines)
  • Stay Hydrated: Many stores have cafes or restaurants where you can take a break.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to enjoy Londonโ€™s department stores and make the most of your shopping experience!