Tea and Dignity
Written: Nov 30 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Proper service, thousands of choices
Cons: London is a wee bit too far for a quick shopping trip
The Bottom Line: Harrods Knightsbridge is an experience. . . bring your five senses, a stack of pound notes, and a willingness to explore.
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| pbyaeger's Full Review: Harrods Knightsbridge |
Remember the good old days when department store salespeople actually liked to wait on customers? When they approached not in hopes of garnering another quick commission, but instead to greet you, determine your needs, and solve them--with pleasure?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, wouldya shut up already I'm on the phone and I'm going on break and can't you see I don't know if we have that skirt in a 12 why don't you friggin' look?
If you've encountered her (or him) in a dozen department stores, you will never find her at Harrod's. Good heavens, no.
And that is the ultimate charm of Harrod's Knightsbridge. . . the fact that you are going to be treated nicely while you shop. Salespeople are going to delight in bringing you whatever you want--and they are going to mean it when they smile.
Don't be frightened. Once you get used to it, this treatment is just fine. And don't be scared of Harrod's, either. All the rumors are true:
It's huge.
They will check you out as you enter the store. Smile and say hello.
There is a shrine to Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed (Dodi's father really does own the store).
The food halls are worth at least an hour's gawking. Don't hesitate to try an unusual cheese with your spot of tea--or something more exotic and delicious
Yes, you have to pay to use the restroom--unless you have a disability, a Harrod's charge card, or lots of receipts showing pricey purchases.
Yes, they'll process your VAT refund right in the store.
99% of the customers are foreigners. (Not really, but you will see quite the mix of faces, colors, and cultures--enjoy this--it's part of the show.)
And did I mention it's huge? On my first trip, I managed to rush through everything in a few hours--but my feet were killing me. Just when you think you've reached the end of the store, oops, there's a hallway, and you're in another shopping paradise.
Whatever and wherever it is in Harrod's, take a few moments to stop and look at something--anything you're interested in. I'm a soap fiend, and my 20 minutes with an adorable elderly lady in the Floris department (her name is Esther--go find her) were among my happiest soap moments in life. Never pushy, never obtrusive, she smiled, shared the details on the product line, made light suggestions, and briskly approved everything I chose. Though I only spent 45 pounds, she filled my bag with samples, and warmly invited me to seek her out when I returned to London. She even gave me directions to the Floris Shop on Madison Avenue in Manhattan!
The difference as I see it? Dignity.
Dear Esther was performing the same job as her irritated American counterparts, but she clearly saw it in its proper, professional light. We could learn a lot from her--or from the wonderful taxi drivers who zipped me all over London, all speaking clear English and happy to chat with a customer. What a difference from so many New York cabbies. . .
But I suspect that is the British way. Even the VAT refund lady was charming and indulgent--I was hot and sweaty--to the point that I left her chair a bit damp. Mortified, I reached for a tissue to wipe up any trace--but she sweetly beat me to it, smiling and insisting that Yes, the floor was quite warm today.
Harrod's may be expensive, but it's wonderful to be wanted.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Friends
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Epinions.com ID:
pbyaeger
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 - Top 500 |
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Member: Pamela Yaeger
Location: Long Island, NY
Reviews written: 157
Trusted by: 158 members
About Me:
I whine, therefore I am.
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