Selfridges unveils first phase of world's largest Accessories Hall

Selfridges has opened the first phase of its new ground floor accessories hall, which on completion will be a spectacular 60,000 square foot space and house the world's largest accessories offer.

The refurbishment, which comes with a price tag of 300 million pounds, has at its heart an approach to sustainability, including the luxury brands who's shop in shops will remain on the ground floor. Brands including Gucci, Prada and Loewe were set the task to include organic, sustainable materials into their designs. The aim is for Selfridges to create an atmosphere where customers felt they were investing in something special rather than purchasing a commodity, reported WWD.

The new hall will generate 45 percent of accessories sales

The accessories hall is expected to generate 45 percent of Selfridges accessories sales, and will include handbags and small leather goods for both men and women. Elsewhere, the shoe departments will remain on the respective men's and women's fashion floors, while watches and jewellery will remain in the Wonder Room, also on the ground floor.

Selfridge's Duke Street entrance is the first part of the floor that has been unveiled, an area that previously housed high street and women's contemporary fashion.

Selfridges said the grand plan was created based on the ambition of founder Harry Gordon Selfridge to create a unified quadrant within the Oxford, Orchard, Wigmore and Duke streets

"We are thrilled to be unveiling the first phase of our Accessories Hall, which represents the first major externally visible milestone in the ambitious transformation of the Duke Street side of our store,” a spokesperson said.

"It's the first time in 40 years that such dramatic architectural changes designed to challenge how our customers experience this part of our store, on both sides of the facade, are being undertaken."

Photo courtesy of Selfridges