Harrods bills itself as the "World's Most Famous Department Store." Almost anything can be bought at Harrods, and its founder declared that the store could supply anything "from a pin to an elephant." Harrods is one of the most elegant stores in London, and counts among its customers royalty and international celebrities. It is a huge store as well, with 300 departments, over 4,000 employees, and 20 restaurants. Harrods has also become a tourist destination in its own right, and almost anyone who visits London includes Harrods among the sights to see.
Harrods was founded by Charles Henry Harrod in 1834 when he opened a small grocery store in Stepney, specializing in tea. In 1849 he moved the business to Knightsbridge to take advantage of the Great Exhibition of 1851 in nearby Hyde Park. At first, the store occupied a single room and employed two assistants and one messenger boy. By 1880, the store had expanded to supplying jewelry, furs, silks, clothing, umbrellas, perfumes, stationery, fruits, meats, and vegetables, and employed a staff of 100.
In 1901, Harrods moved into its present building, which was designed by C.W. Stephens. (The previous store had burned down). The Edwardian-style building is noted for its turrets, gables, and dome, all clad in terra cotta. At night, its outline is illuminated by thousands of tiny lights. The building rises to a height of four stories, and occupies four and a half acres (two hectares) in the center of Knightsbridge.
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Directions: Harrods is located at 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1.
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on Aug 25, 2006
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