What is Harrods?
Harrods is a luxury department store in Knightsbridge, London, and one of the most famous shops in the world. It covers about five acres and has more than 300 departments, from fashion to its celebrated food halls.
Harrods began in 1849, when Charles Henry Harrod opened a small grocery shop. The business grew rapidly, and the current building, with its terracotta facade, was completed in the early 1900s.
The store's motto is Omnia Omnibus Ubique, meaning All Things for All People, Everywhere.
Food halls and famous features
The Harrods Food Halls, with their decorated tiles and wide range of gourmet foods, are a major attraction.
In 1898, Harrods installed one of the first escalators in England. Nervous customers were reportedly offered brandy at the top.
Harrods was owned by Mohamed Al-Fayed from 1985 to 2010 and is now owned by the Qatar Investment Authority. At night, the building is lit by thousands of light bulbs. Its green and gold shopping bags are famous souvenirs.
The store has a dress code and can be very busy during its famous January and summer sales.