Shop Until You Drop: A Guide to Department Stores in London
Looking to buy a luxurious memento, a new wardrobe or simply to pick up some treats? We're here to help with this list of the best department stores in London.
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Planning a shopping trip to London? You've picked the right city, because in London you'll find everything from one-of-a-kind boutiques to world-renowned department stores. Speaking of which, London's biggest stores are often a great place to start to get a feel for the best brands in the city. So, without further ado, let's take a look at our guide to the very best department stores in London and what we here at Plum love so much about them.
Liberty
Instantly recognisable even from a distance with its striking mock-Tudor facade, Liberty London is a stylish store worthy of an afternoon of exploration (and not to mention one of the most photographable department stores in London). You can easily spend a few hours lazily browsing through the drool worthy clothing and perfectly displayed products across the London store's six floors. Most well known for their fashion edits and iconic printed textiles, Liberty also stock a great range of crafts and antiques, as well as a carefully curated selection of beauty and skincare brands. Though the store is fairly large, it somehow manages to evoke the intimate and personal feel of an (admittedly grand) home. And you can tell some of the staff have been working there for years and truly love the store.
Harrods
Could we really have a list of department stores in London without a mention of the most historic and famous store in the city? Harrods isn't just a shopping destination, it's a luxury experience. With more than 300 departments set across seven floors, there is plenty to covet in the grand and ornate halls of this iconic London store. Service is impeccable of course, and the staff are clearly used to going the extra mile for their regular international customers that fly in just to shop here. Shoeaholics, there's actually a section called Shoe Heaven here worthy of its name. And don't get us started on the famous Harrods Food Hall. Taste your way through the different food counters and find gourmet snacks from all around the world. Stay just a stone's throw away in our home Charming Chase.
Selfridges
When you think of department stores in London, Selfridges may very well be among the first stores to come to mind. Located on Oxford Street (aka London's most famous shopping street) Selfridges is set over six floors and has been offering Londoners and tourists everything from luxury and high street fashion, to technology and jewellery for decades. If you want a varied range of brands under one roof, this is the store to go to be truly spoilt for choice. Feeling a little overwhelmed with the variety? The helpful team of Selfridges personal shoppers are on to help you find just what you're looking for. Stay nearby in one of our stylish homes like The Wigmore.
Harvey Nichols
While you're in Knightsbridge for Harrods, pop into nearby Harvey Nichols. The popular London department store has eight floors of fashion, beauty and lifestyle products on offer, including all the major designer brands. The fifth floor is a bright and airy space dedicated to bars and restaurants, and is worth a visit for when you need that mid-shop snack (or drink). If you want high quality beauty treatments in London, there's a sumptuous Beauty Lounge on the ground floor offering everything from manicures to makeovers. After visiting Harrods and Harvey Nichols, you'll understand why Knightsbridge is rated among the best areas to stay in London for shopping.
Fortnum & Mason
Want to pick up your food from the same grocery store used by the Queen? Fortnum & Mason is a historic London store established in 1707. Located in Piccadilly, it's brimming with fine foods, fresh produce, and extravagant hampers. It's worth a trip to feast your eyes on the grand interior design alone. Fortnum & Mason is also famous for offering the classic afternoon tea experience in the heart of London. While you're here, don't forget to indulge in a decadent sundae at the first floor ice cream parlour. This is also the place to get a quintessentially British gift for your friends and family back home. Fancy staying nearby? Choose from one of our luxurious home in the neighbourhood like The Queen of Mayfair or Bury St James. (You deserve it.)
Whole Foods Market
This international organic grocery chain is loved around the world for its extensive range of natural and healthy food items. If you're opting for organic food items and eco-friendly products, you'll find everything you need at a Whole Foods Market. They also cater well for specialist diets such as vegan and gluten free. There are currently seven branches across London, including central locations such as the Picadilly Circus, Camden and Kensington neighbourhoods.
Planet Organic
Want your grocery items 100% organic and sustainably produced? Look no further than Planet Organic, the biggest certified organic grocery store in the UK. With more than 8,000 product lines across their seven London stores, you'll be spoilt for choice with it comes to natural food, health and beauty products here. Try the organic wine at the Planet Organic bar, or get some expert health advice. They also regularly hold events including cooking classes, meditation and yoga.
So there we have it – our guide to the greatest department stores in London. Looking to extend your retail therapy beyond department stores and take home a literary memento? Why not pick up a piece of classic British literature at one of the best bookstores in London. And if you're looking for the best place to stay in the city, you're in luck because we can help with that too. Our collection of London homes has been carefully curated by our finickity home critics to ensure the highest of standards...just for you.