Harrods A Personal Shopping Mecca

According to Drapers, Harrods is planning to offer an even more personal shopping approach in a bid to become the pillar of London department stores. The current personal shopping area of 781sq ft is to double to 1,558sq ft and will move to a new location on the first floor. The new space will house five personal shopping suites as well as two reception areas. Four IV, the design consultancy behind the Harvey Nichols stores in Manchester and Edinburgh, has been working on the project. It is being overseen by Harrods' personal shopping manager Sukeena Rao.

Harrods is spending around £500,000 on the improvements, which are due to be completed in May. Buying and merchandise director Nigel Blow said: "The whole service ethos is very important to Harrods, and we are always looking to take it to the next level. We are about more than just product and want to improve the environment that is part of the overall experience."

The changes are part of an ongoing overhaul of the store. The refurbishment of the menswear department will be completed this year, and the casualwear section on the ground floor will be extended, with more accessories being introduced. Like may luxury retailers, Harrods escaped the Christmas gloom that besieged many high-street operators, with sales in November and December up 5% on last year. Sales in December alone were up almost 10%, while the first day of the Sale was the most successful in Harrods' history.