Selfridges targets international customers with new lounge

Selfridges has opened a luxury new international customer services lounge in its London store on Oxford Street, to cater for the needs of its tax free shoppers by offering access to a tax refund lounge, two tax free halls and several VIP areas aimed at accommodating the requirements of the high-net-worth individuals the store receives.

The new international service department is now triple the size of its previous space, spanning across 16,000 square feet, and has relocated from Selfridges’ lower ground floor to the fourth floor to support the store’s international business which has grown consistently over previous years and to accommodate its targeted future growth.

The space offers a range of services, including tax refunds, currency exchange, a VIP area and a Mac Bar where customers are able to go online to further shop from Selfridges.com. In addition, it offers customers the benefits of a quiet room, two library areas, a refreshment room, and a faith room where customers of any faith can go and quietly worship or meditate.

There is also a new theatre desk, operated by Time Out, which allows customers to book tickets to shows while shopping in the store.

Selfridges targets tax-free shoppers with new service department

The 16-month, multi-million pound redevelopment was undertaken by London-based design company Waldo Works, who used the original architectural features to reference the early 1900s when Selfridges first opened, and has been inspired by the fashionable Palm Court restaurant, famously Selfridges’ first ever restaurant renowned for its lush and tropical decor. The idea behind the light and airy lounge was to design something that the discerning international clientele would enjoy.

In a statement, Selfridges describes the department as “an exceptional example of Selfridges’ commitment to developing new shopping and service spaces, whilst demonstrating outstanding commitment to preserving and restoring the grandeur and original features of the iconic neo-classical building.”

Entertaining affluent international customers is becoming increasingly important for luxury retailers and this new lounge, where exclusive comfort and service is at the forefront can only aid Selfridges in attracting more VIP customers and inspiring them to stay and shop longer.

Images: Selfridges