London’s department stores aren’t just places to buy things-they’re destinations. You walk in not just for a coat or a handbag, but for the experience. The grand staircases, the scent of perfume drifting through the air, the way the light hits the glass displays just right. These aren’t malls. They’re institutions.
Harrods: The Icon That Defined Luxury
Harrods isn’t just a store. It’s a landmark. Opened in 1849, it sprawls across seven floors and 1 million square feet. If you’ve seen it in movies, you’ve seen the gold lettering on the façade, the Egyptian escalators, the food hall that feels like a European market crossed with a Michelin-starred feast.
The Food Hall alone has over 300,000 items. You can buy truffles from Piedmont, fresh oysters flown in daily from Ireland, or a £1,200 chocolate Easter egg shaped like a Fabergé egg. It’s not about necessity. It’s about indulgence.
Harrods has its own bakery, butcher, florist, and even a pet department where you can buy a £20,000 dog bed. The store doesn’t just sell products-it sells stories. And if you’re lucky, you might spot a celebrity in the tea room, or a royal family member picking up birthday gifts for the grandchildren.
It’s open 365 days a year. Even on Christmas Day. That’s not a marketing gimmick. It’s a promise: if you need something, Harrods will find it.
Selfridges: Where Fashion Meets Theater
If Harrods is the old-money aristocrat, Selfridges is the avant-garde artist. Opened in 1909 by American entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge, it was the first store in the UK to bring American retail theater to London. Think window displays that change weekly, like art installations. One year, it turned the entire front into a giant, glowing jellyfish. Another year, it recreated a 1920s speakeasy inside.
Selfridges doesn’t just stock brands-it curates them. You’ll find niche designers like Marine Serre and Simone Rocha alongside Gucci and Prada. But it’s the unexpected corners that surprise you: the beauty floor has a dedicated section for Korean skincare routines, complete with live demos. The men’s section has a bespoke tailoring studio where you can get a suit made in 48 hours.
Its rooftop restaurant, The Roof, offers one of the best views of Oxford Street. And the store’s annual Christmas window displays? They draw over 500,000 visitors each December. People queue for hours just to take photos. It’s not shopping. It’s a public spectacle.
Liberty London: The Arts & Crafts Gem
Step into Liberty and you’re transported to a different era. The Tudor-style building, with its dark wood beams and stained-glass windows, looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. Founded in 1875, it started as a shop selling exotic fabrics from India and Japan. Today, it’s still known for its iconic floral prints-Liberty prints are so famous, they’re in the V&A Museum’s permanent collection.
Liberty doesn’t chase trends. It sets them. Its fashion floor features British designers like Christopher Kane and Roksanda, alongside vintage finds from the 1970s. The home section is a dream: hand-blown glass vases, linen bedding from Portugal, and hand-carved wooden bowls from Japan. You won’t find fast fashion here. You’ll find craftsmanship.
And the tea room? It’s not just a place to sip Earl Grey. It’s a ritual. Scones with clotted cream, tiered cakes, and a view of the courtyard filled with hanging plants. It’s the kind of place where people come to celebrate engagements, anniversaries, or just because they needed a quiet moment in the middle of the city.
John Lewis & Partners: The Trusted Name
John Lewis doesn’t have the glitz of Harrods or the drama of Selfridges. But it has something rarer: trust. It’s the only major UK department store owned entirely by its employees. That means every person working there-whether stocking shelves or helping you choose a sofa-has a stake in the experience.
Its reputation for quality is built on real data. In 2024, a consumer survey found John Lewis had the highest customer satisfaction rating among UK department stores, with 92% of shoppers saying they’d return. Its 30-day return policy is no-questions-asked. No receipt? No problem. They’ll look up your purchase by your phone number.
The electronics section is a standout. You can test a TV in a room that mimics your living space. The furniture section has real-life room setups so you can see how a bed looks next to a dresser, or how a rug sits under a coffee table. It’s practical. It’s thoughtful. And it’s why families come back year after year.
Fortnum & Mason: The Royal Pantry
Fortnum & Mason isn’t a department store in the traditional sense. It’s a food emporium with fashion, homeware, and gifts layered on top. Founded in 1707, it’s the oldest of all these stores-and still the most British. It’s where the royal family buys their Christmas hampers.
The tea selection is legendary: over 300 varieties, from single-estate Darjeelings to rare Yunnan black teas. You can buy tea in tins engraved with your initials. The hamper section has options that cost £500 or £5,000. One includes a bottle of 1982 Dom Pérignon, a box of handmade chocolates, and a silver tea service.
Its upstairs restaurant, the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, is where you go after a morning of shopping. Scones with jam and clotted cream, cucumber sandwiches, and Earl Grey served in fine china. The staff remember your name. And if you ask for the window seat, they’ll give you the one with the best view of Piccadilly.
What to Expect When You Visit
Each of these stores has its own rhythm. Harrods is bustling from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., with crowds thick near the escalators. Selfridges is quieter on weekdays but explodes on weekends. Liberty feels like a sanctuary-calm, slow, deliberate. John Lewis is efficient. Fortnum & Mason is timeless.
Plan your visit. If you want luxury, go to Harrods. If you want fashion-forward finds, hit Selfridges. For unique gifts and heritage, Liberty and Fortnum & Mason win. For reliable, no-nonsense quality, John Lewis is your go-to.
And don’t forget the gift wrapping. All of them do it beautifully. Free, even. No extra charge. That’s not just service. That’s a statement.
Shopping Tips for London’s Top Stores
- Visit on a weekday morning if you want space. Weekends are packed, especially around Christmas.
- Ask for a personal shopper. Most of these stores offer it for free, even if you’re not spending thousands.
- Look for seasonal sales. Harrods’ January sale is one of the best in Europe-up to 70% off.
- Bring your passport. Some stores offer tax-free shopping for international visitors.
- Check opening hours. Fortnum & Mason closes at 6 p.m., while Harrods stays open until 10 p.m.
Final Thoughts
These stores aren’t just about what you buy. They’re about how you feel when you leave. Whether it’s the quiet pride of finding the perfect gift at Fortnum & Mason, the thrill of spotting a new designer at Selfridges, or the comfort of knowing your sofa from John Lewis will last a decade-they give you more than products.
They give you memories. And in a city that moves fast, that’s worth more than anything on the shelf.
Which department store in London is the most luxurious?
Harrods is widely considered the most luxurious department store in London. With its seven floors, exclusive brands, gourmet food hall, and legendary service, it’s designed for high-end indulgence. The store even has a private entrance for VIP clients and offers bespoke services like custom perfume blending and in-store art consultations.
Is Selfridges better than Harrods for fashion?
Selfridges is often preferred for cutting-edge fashion. It’s quicker to adopt new designers and trends, with a stronger focus on emerging labels and avant-garde styling. Harrods leans toward established luxury houses. If you’re looking for the next big name in fashion, Selfridges is usually ahead of the curve.
Can I get tax-free shopping at these stores?
Yes, all major London department stores offer tax-free shopping for international visitors. You need a valid passport and proof you’re leaving the UK within 90 days. Look for the Tax Free Shopping counter near the exit. Some stores, like Harrods and Selfridges, even offer courier delivery to your home airport.
What’s the best time to visit London’s department stores?
Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday to Thursday, are the quietest and most pleasant. Avoid weekends and the week before Christmas. January is ideal for sales-Harrods and Selfridges offer deep discounts after New Year’s, with some items up to 70% off.
Do these stores have good return policies?
Yes. John Lewis offers a 35-day no-questions-asked return policy. Harrods and Selfridges allow returns within 28 days with a receipt. Liberty and Fortnum & Mason are more flexible-often accepting returns even without a receipt if the item is unused. Always ask at the time of purchase.