When was selfridges established

The roof, with its spectacular views across London, was a popular place for strolling after a shopping trip and was often used for fashion shows. During the Second World War the store was bombed but survived comparatively unscathed — although the famous roof gardens were destroyed and not reopened [9 ] until A Milne-Shaw seismograph was set up on the Oxford Street store's third floor in , attached to one of the building's main stanchions, unaffected by traffic or shoppers.

It recorded the Belgian earthquake of 11 June which was also felt in London. In , it was given to the British Museum. Selfridges had expanded over the years to include fifteen provincial stores, but these were sold to the John Lewis Partnership in the s.

The remaining Oxford Street store was acquired in by the Liverpool -based Lewis's chain of department stores, which was in turn taken over in by the Sears Group owned by Charles Clore.

In , Sears Holdings split Selfridges from Lewis's and placed Lewis's in administration a year later. In March , Selfridges acquired its current logo in tandem with the opening of the Manchester Trafford Centre store and Selfridges demerger from Sears. In September , Selfridges expanded and opened a department store in the newly-opened Trafford Centre in Greater Manchester. Following its success, Selfridges announced they would open an additional ,square-foot 11, m 2 store in Exchange Square , Manchester city centre.

The Exchange Square store opened in as Manchester city centre started to return to normal following the Manchester bombing. Now almost forgotten in time, London was once a very formal place with strict divisions. Selfridge himself had been thrown out of a store in London by bullying staff whilst visiting on a work trip. It made him determined to offer British shoppers a new experience. Having blazed a trail from poverty to success in Chicago retail, Harry Selfridge decided to set up in the British capital and capitalize on the gap in the market.

Selfridge and his store brought the American dream to London. For s British shoppers it was a revelation. The goods were beautifully presented; there was entertainment, restaurants and services. Customers were invited to spend the day inside at their leisure and buy at their pleasure. They ended up doing both. For the first time they could go out alone and still be respectable and comfortable. Soon the suffragettes, campaigning for the female vote, found a key ally in Selfridge and his store.

Selfridge also broke down entrenched British class barriers. His innovation of discounts and the bi-annual sale are taken for granted now. With more than departments and 1.

Selfridges, Oxford Street, opened to the public on 15 March , and Selfridge remained chairman until In , he died in London at age 89…. Our London Foodhall remains open during this time, while all four of our stores are now offering click and collect services to ensure our customers Christmas shopping experience is seamless.

HarrodsOut of all of the London department stores, Harrods takes the number one spot for being the best-known and most-visited shop. Harrods started off as a humble groceries and tea shop in , which is a far cry from the seven-story, glittering icon it is today. Nearby cities:. Add your comment in english. Amazing Place to shop! Your comment: Post comment. Similar places Nearby places Nearby cities.

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