Harrods vs Selfridges 2025: Which is Better? Complete Comparison

# Harrods vs Selfridges 2025: Which Department Store is Better? Two names dominate London's luxury shopping scene: Harrods and Selfridges. But which one deserves your time and money? We break down everything to help you decide. ## Quick Comparison | Feature | Harrods | Selfridges | |---------|---------|------------| | **Location** | Knightsbridge | Oxford Street | | **Size** | 1 million sq ft | 540,000 sq ft | | **Floors** | 7 | 4 | | **Luxury Focus** | Higher | More accessible | | **Arab Services** | Excellent | Good | | **Tax Refund** | In-store | In-store | | **Halal Food** | Yes | Yes | ## Overview ### Harrods **Address:** 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL **Hours:** Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11:30am-6pm Harrods is the world's most famous department store and a destination in itself. With over 330 departments across 7 floors, it offers everything from haute couture to Egyptian artifacts. ### Selfridges **Address:** 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB **Hours:** Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 11:30am-6pm Selfridges is younger, trendier, and more accessible. It focuses on contemporary luxury and emerging designers alongside established brands. --- ## Brand Comparison ### Luxury Fashion | Brand | Harrods | Selfridges | |-------|---------|------------| | Chanel | ✅ Large boutique | ✅ Concession | | Louis Vuitton | ✅ Large boutique | ✅ Concession | | Hermès | ✅ Boutique | ❌ No | | Gucci | ✅ Large boutique | ✅ Large boutique | | Dior | ✅ Large boutique | ✅ Boutique | | Prada | ✅ Boutique | ✅ Boutique | | Bottega Veneta | ✅ Boutique | ✅ Boutique | **Winner:** Harrods (more luxury brands, larger boutiques) ### Watches & Jewelry | Brand | Harrods | Selfridges | |-------|---------|------------| | Rolex | ✅ | ✅ | | Patek Philippe | ✅ | ❌ | | Cartier | ✅ | ✅ | | Van Cleef & Arpels | ✅ | ❌ | | Bulgari | ✅ | ✅ | **Winner:** Harrods (exclusive watch room, more high-end brands) ### Beauty | Aspect | Harrods | Selfridges | |--------|---------|------------| | Brands | 250+ | 300+ | | Exclusive launches | Many | Many | | Services | Spa, treatments | Treatments | | Niche perfumes | Excellent | Very good | **Winner:** Tie (both excellent, different strengths) --- ## Services for Arab Shoppers ### Harrods **Arabic Services:** - Full Arabic-speaking team - Arabic signage throughout - Arabic personal shopping - GCC customer lounge (Ramadan) - Prayer room available **Tax Refund:** - In-store processing - 12.5% refund (after fees) - Dedicated VAT desk **Additional Services:** - Personal shopping (free) - Fashion consultants - Alterations - Worldwide shipping ### Selfridges **Arabic Services:** - Arabic-speaking staff (limited) - Arabic personal shopping available - GCC customer events (seasonal) **Tax Refund:** - In-store processing - Similar rates to Harrods - Multiple refund points **Winner:** Harrods (more comprehensive Arab services) --- ## Food & Dining ### Harrods Food Halls - 18 food departments - Harrods Rotisserie - Pizza room - Chocolate Hall - Tea room - **Halal options throughout** ### Selfridges Food Hall - More casual dining - Brass Rail - Dirty Bones - Aubaine - **Halal options available** **Winner:** Harrods (iconic food halls, better halal selection) --- ## Practical Comparison ### Getting There **Harrods:** - Tube: Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line) - Parking: Limited street parking - Taxi: Easy drop-off **Selfridges:** - Tube: Bond Street (Central, Jubilee, Elizabeth lines) - Parking: NCP nearby - More central location ### Shopping Experience | Aspect | Harrods | Selfridges | |--------|---------|------------| | Crowds | Very busy | Busy | | Layout | Complex (can get lost) | More intuitive | | Staff ratio | High | Medium | | Atmosphere | Grand, traditional | Modern, vibrant | --- ## Price Comparison | Item Type | Harrods | Selfridges | |-----------|---------|------------| | Designer bags | Same RRP | Same RRP | | Cosmetics | Same RRP | Same RRP | | Food items | Premium | Standard | | Homeware | Premium | Standard-Premium | **Note:** Designer brand prices are standardized. Harrods own-brand items may be pricier. --- ## Our Verdict ### Choose Harrods If: - First time in London (it's iconic) - Shopping for ultra-luxury items - Want comprehensive Arab services - Interested in fine food and gifts - Have a full day to explore ### Choose Selfridges If: - Looking for contemporary fashion - Prefer a more modern atmosphere - Shopping on Oxford Street anyway - Want more accessible price points - Limited time (easier to navigate) ### Our Recommendation **For Arab Visitors:** Start with Harrods for the full luxury experience and Arabic services. Visit Selfridges for contemporary brands and Oxford Street shopping. **Ideal Plan:** Morning at Harrods → Lunch at Harrods Food Hall → Afternoon at Selfridges → Tea at Claridge's --- ## Insider Tips 1. **Ask for Arabic shopping guide** at either store's welcome desk 2. **Sign up for loyalty programs** before shopping (better rewards) 3. **Visit during Ramadan** for special GCC events and services 4. **Book personal shopping** for VIP treatment (free at both) 5. **Save VAT receipts** - process before leaving UK