Selfridge’s, which is one of the famous department stores in London, was opened to the public in 1909. Here is a short history and shopping in Selfridge’s.
History of Selfridge’s
When Harry Gordon Selfridge set on his journey from Chicago to London in 1906 aged 51, he had only one mission in his mind, opening his dream department store. His creativity and innovation saw the store open to the public on 15 March 1909 in Oxford Street at the centre of London. Gordon already had a huge stock portfolio as he had risen from the ranks of a stockman to a junior partner in only 25 years. He resigned and sold all stock after he refused to become a full partner. He would go on to purchase a department store in Chicago but later sold it barely three months later at a significant profit. His experience had enabled him to gain immense knowledge and skills in the world of store retail marketing. Whilst at his travel to London, he was surprised at how the shopping practices were antiquated and thus set himself a challenge to change the shopping in London experience.
The shopping experience of Selfridge’s
When Harry Selfridge arrived in London, he set up to build a store with large windows where products were placed to entice customers. His store also had huge unobstructed space where customers would see the many products on display. Today, Selfridge’s prides itself in being fearlessly creative, unconventional and thought-provoking. It always does things a little different and its stores are not just shops, but social places that provide its customers with extraordinary experiences rarely found elsewhere.
Harry Gordon Selfridge is a man credited for changing the world of retail not only in London but also in the world. Selfridge’s has a rich history and continues to be a benchmark on how department stores operate.
Food for Passion 