London department store Harrods is one of the world’s largest and most famous department stores. With more than a million square feet (90,000 sq m) of space, Harrods sells luxury and everyday goods across seven floors and 330 departments. Its motto is «All Things for All People, Everywhere» ― and the store attracts 15 million customers each year. This worldpopular store was established in 1849 by Charles Henry Harrod. Beginning in a single room and employing two assistants and a messenger boy, it mainly sold tea and groceries. Harrods steadily expanded, and by 1880 it was a thriving department store, offering everything from medicines and perfumes to clothing and food and attracted wealthy customers. In 1883, a fire destroyed the store. The owners fully rebuilt the store, with the help of architect Charles William Stephens, into what it is today. One of the world’s first escalators was presented in Harrods in 1898.
