Best London Department Stores

If you happen to be a frequent reader of ETG (our art inspired travel site), you already know that I LOVE to shop. No matter what city I visit in any country across the globe, I seek out some retail therapy. Well I happened to be traveling with my sister, who might just be even more of a shopaholic than I am. London is a great place to shop – the fashions, the art, household decor, gadgets, toys, and so much more. Here is a list of the Best London Department Stores.

Best London Department Stores

Harrods

Both my sister and I have such fond memories of Harrods since we traveled quite a bit with our parents when we were kids. Therefore it was so special to be with her once again as an adult at the iconic department store. It first opened as a general store in 1849 offering groceries, teas and more. Fashion stole the focus in the early 1900s, with beauty, home goods and more departments coming later in that century. Needless to say it is now also home to some wonderful restaurants as well.

Jellycat Mission

When we arrived at Harrods we were on a mission to find very specific Jellycat selections. My sister’s daughter-in-law requested a couple of particular jellycats. I had assumed that these were for her two granddaughters. But I found out later, these were for her daughter-in-law, a mother of two children. Apparently these stuffed amusable toys became super popular on Tiktok. Their popularity took off during the pandemic. I was clueless to all this until long after we embarked on our mission at Harrods.

Best Department Stores in London — *Jellycat Amusables at Harrods; Photo by Kathy Leonardo*

Here’s how it all went down – we were told to wait on a line outside. Then within the hour, we were led up to the toy department. When we arrived upstairs, the place was a wreck. People were grabbling these plush toys, but they were no cute little dogs, or cats stuffed animals (at least there were none left that I could find). My sister was on the phone with her daughter-in-law when she saw me. “Look for a baguette,” Huh, “I said WTF” I found a baguette, and ran to my sister. “No it’s a baguette sandwich, or look for a rock,” she added. “A rock? What kind of stuffed animals are these?” I asked. There were hamburgers, apples, bowls of ramen and other unusual plush toys.

Since then I have found out more about Jellycats. Adults are buying these toys which are collectibles. Ok well, I guess that makes more sense. Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL; https://www.harrods.com

Fortnum & Mason

As the story goes…In 1707 William Fortnum, a footman in Queen Anne’s household teamed up with his landlord, Hugh Mason, who was a business man. They opened St. James’ Market selling one-of-a-kind candles. This entrepreneurship expanded into gourmet food, home goods, fashions and accessories. Then in 1840, it moved to its current location. AlthoughFortnum & Mason has shifted its focus to housewares and food related goods, it still sells women’s accessories, and some men’s items as well.

*So many amazing ornaments to buy at Fortnum and Mason; Photo by Kathy Leonardo*

I absolutely love this store. I remember finding it thirty years ago. As a life-long foodie, I was excited to discover some unbelievable epicurean food. I happened to be alone in London, and was meeting up with a friend in Paris, France. I had my own little picnic in St. James’ Park. My sister and I also had an exhilarating time since the store was all decked out for Christmas. We indulged in some chocolates, and other tasty goodies, and also bought some truly unique ornaments. Fortnum & Mason is 181 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LE, United Kingdom; https://www.fortnumandmason.com/

Selfridges & Co

My sister and I did a quick stop at Selfridges & Co. for a last minute Jellycat search. We both wished we had more time for this wondrous store. Founded in 1909 by Harry Gordon, Selfridges London is the flagship store with three others in the U.K. in addition to fashions, beauty, and accessories, Selfridges offers so much more. You will find housewares, toys, tech, multiple restaurants, a movie theater as well as an enclosed roller rink. No kidding! Christmas was exploding when we visited and we loved it. Selfridges London, 400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB; https://www.selfridges.com

Hamleys

Although Hamleys is technically not a department store, it is the largest and oldest toy store in the world. In 1760 William Hamley began his legacy with a different name – Noah’s Ark. Soon consumers began calling it Hamleys, and eventually the name was officially changed.

Best London Department Stores — *Hamleys, the Oldest Toy Store in the World; Photo by Kathy Leonardo*

My sister and used to visit Hamleys when we were kids. At that time the store was well known for their marionettes, and other puppets. My sister still has them up in her house – over 40 of them. Yes, she started collecting them decades ago. My parents purchased a ventriloquist puppet for me. I adored and played with it for years. Unfortunately Hamleys no longer sells puppets, but with seven floors of toys, there is something for everyone. Hamleys is also a festive and fun place to visit and has turned into a popular tourist attractions. Employees can be seen demonstrating toys throughout the store. You’ll find adorable stuffed animals, interactive gadgets, classic games and more. Hamleys, 88-196 Regent Street, London W1B 5BT, UK; https://www.hamleys.com/

Additional Top London Stores

Harvey Nichols opened in 1831. Although it was a small fabric shop it soon grew into a large upscale department store. Founded by Benjamin Harvey, James Nichols became a partner in 1841. The modern department store is known for its designer fashions, beauty and accessories. Harvey Nichols also offers various dining hotspots including the prestigious OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie. Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ; https://www.harveynichols.com/

Liberty London

Arthur Liberty opened Liberty London in 1875. He was an avid traveler and was inspired by cultures from all over the world. He brought luxuries, fabrics as well as arts and crafts to London’s elite. A quote from Oscar Wilde says it all, “ “LIBERTY is the CHOSEN RESORT of the ARTISTIC SHOPPER.” Liberty London, Great Marlborough Street, London W1B 5AH, United Kingdom; https://www.libertylondon.com/

If you love to shop, London has got you covered. There are many open air markets such as Camden Market, Borough Market, and Portobello Road Market. Finally don’t miss my favorite indoor/outdoor market – Covent Garden. See our ETG Instagram Page for our coverage on several of these markets.

Read more about London on the ETG England Page.