As a Blue Badge tourist guide, I have noticed that visitors are always very excited to be shown Harrods department store in London. The very name conjures up images of luxury and quality. Due to its history, clientele and location, it is arguably the most well-known department store on the planet.
The motto on the Harrods coat of arms is Omnia Omnibus Ubique, which is Latin for “All things, for all people, everywhere”. It sounds fancy, but I am not sure how accurate it is – they do not sell everything, at least not anymore. The pet store on the 2nd floor shut 6 years ago. Gone are the days when Noel Coward had a pet alligator bought for him, and Ronald Reagan had a baby elephant purchased on his behalf for a Republican Party rally. Their product range is, however, still extraordinary: 330 departments over 1.1 million square feet and 6 floors of retail space. The building also has 7 floors below ground for storage. It’s one of the largest department stores in Europe.
