How to Get Bargains at Harrods

Harrods opened its doors in the heart of London's Knightsbridge shopping district in 1849. Over the years, it has come to be known as one of the finest department stores in the world. The rich and famous shop here for luxury items, but those on tighter budgets can also make purchases without breaking the bank.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Check the "Offers" section on the official Harrods website. There are many bargains to be found - sometimes without even leaving the comfort of your own home.

2. Sign up for the email newsletter (on the official Harrods website) for advance notice of special deals and promotions.

3. Visit the store just after holidays like Valentine's Day, Easter and Christmas to take advantage of special reductions, especially on edible items like chocolate and confectionery which can be found in the extensive, mouth-watering Food Halls on the ground floor.

4. Buy something small, like a Harrods souvenir, from the Harrods Arcade on the ground floor, the Harrods Gift Shop on the lower ground floor or Harrods World on the fourth floor. You can find cheap and cheerful items like pencils, bags and cuddly toys, emblazoned with the coveted Harrods logo.

5. Attend one of the bi-annual sales (usually held in January and July), when massive discounts can be found on items throughout the store. This is the best time to get bargains at Harrods, Arrive early and expect crowds of bargain-hunters who begin to queue as early as 3 a.m. on the night before the sale.

Tips & Warnings

• Customers from outside the European Union can benefit from tax-free shopping. If you spend £50 or more, you can get a VAT refund on your purchases when you leave the EU. Visit the Harrods Tax Free Shopping and Export Bureau on the lower ground floor for details. While you're there, you can arrange to have goods shipped abroad. Don't forget to bring your passport.
• Harrods was the site of the world's first escalator. You can relive the awe of that maiden journey by travelling up and down on the store's Egyptian Escalator - a magnificent £20 million homage to ancient Egypt, designed in consultation with experts from the British Museum.
• Come after dark to marvel at the splendour of the building's façade, lit by 12,000 lightbulbs. Harrods employs a team of electrical engineers who change up to 300 bulbs a day!
• Harrods has a dress code. If you turn up in short shorts, cycling shorts or vest tops, you may not be allowed through the doors.
• The public toilets in Harrods cost £1. Bring a spare pound coin in case you need to make use of the facilities.

Resources

• Visit the offical Harrods website.