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Party Earth Review London’s reputation as a shopping mecca is upheld by Selfridges, one of the largest department stores in the city and a sanctum for the most avid brand lovers. Opened in 1909, the store contains ten acres... ... read full review
400 Oxford Street
London W1A 1AB
Central, Jubilee Lines: Bond Street
080 0123 400
M–Sa 9:30am–9pm, Su 11am–6pm
Regent's Park, London –
London’s reputation as a shopping mecca is upheld by Selfridges, one of the largest department stores in the city and a sanctum for the most avid brand lovers.
Opened in 1909, the store contains ten acres and six levels of credit card shredding glory; all housed within a massive building complete with Greek columns and cast bronze doors.
The always stunning window displays are created with the frequent collaboration of top designers and artists, and are such multi-colored feasts for the eyes that they draw big crowds just on their own.
Shoppers who make it past the displays and into the store, however, will find an elegant marble interior featuring shiny statues, an inner courtyard with a dizzying array of zigzagging escalators, and brands, brands, and more brands around each corner.
If it’s expensive, it’s probably here, from Ferragamo to Courvoisier, but what really draws stampedes of fashionistas and trend-hunters are the Shoe Galleries. Reportedly the largest in the world, they offer two levels of high-priced footwear, making it possible to step out of Kurt Geigers and into Jimmy Choos within seconds.
If spending £400 on heels isn’t in the cards, the ground floor has human-priced brands like H&M and Topshop, while regular makeup and skin care seminars make it possible for visitors to look like a million bucks – even if their bank accounts fall short.
After shopping, patrons can stop in at Selfridges’ impressive food hall, perhaps to sip champagne over a few oysters before heading back to marvel at those ever-changing displays outside.
Selfridges isn’t all about clothes – the founder was a huge art enthusiast and the department store is known for hosting many artistic exhibits and events throughout the year. A visit to the website will keep you up to date on the latest displays, as well as beauty events, art classes, and so much more!
London’s wealthy and upper class, well-to-do tourists, fashionistas, socialites, trend hunters, wide-eyed window shoppers, and probably a royal or two. All ages.
Selfridges hosts art exhibits, charity events, and music concerts throughout the year. Check the website for details.
In-house food market with wine and liquor stores, about a dozen international restaurants, and two cafés offering English staples.
True to high-end form, Selfridges offers a wide range of services, including personal shoppers, carry-to-car assistance, valet parking, delivery to pretty much anywhere, beauty consultations, and even body scanning to calculate that perfect pair of jeans.
The world famous Selfridges window displays often employ incredibly original means to showcase the latest designs. Past displays have included a Puma campaign with live models relaxing in an upscale living room (in their underwear), underwater scenes with real fish, giant shoes, and much more. Photographs of the displays are regularly featured in top design and fashion magazines.
A range of prices can be found at the multitude of stores, but the vast majority falls into the “blitzkrieg und der wallet” category.
Dressy: designer wear is the norm on regular patrons, though there are always plenty of tourists in regular old jeans and t-shirts. No guarantees said tourists won’t get a stink-eye or two from the couture crowd, though.
Weekday mornings to shop in relative solitude and avoid the crowds, or weekends for a madhouse of moneyed mayhem.
There is no shortage of high-end retailers in the area, especially east along Regent Street. Closer to Selfridges is Arabian Oud (435-437 Oxford Street), the self-claimed largest Arabian fragrance retailer in the world that specializes in incense and oriental and oil perfumes.
Selfridges User Reviews