Columnist Muriel Stevens: Harrod’s unique feel to spread

Wednesday, Sept. 9, 1998 | 11:01 a.m.

An invitation to a breakfast tea and press conference hosted by Raine, Countess Spencer (Princess Diana's stepmother) and the Directors of Harrod's International had me hoping that the "historic business venture" that was to be announced would be about a Harrod's in Las Vegas.

Harrod's of Knightsbridge in London is arguably the world's most famous department store. My love affair with this world-renowned emporium began almost 30 years ago when I did three radio shows from Harrod's remarkable Great Food Halls. It was through those radio shows that I got to know the store's director, the late Lord Redmayne.

No trip to London was ever complete after hat without stopping by Harrod's to see the gracious gentleman. Occasionally we shared tea in his splendid office. During our short friendship, I learned to respect and admire the quality and service of the venerable store. Harrod's will soon celebrate 150 years.

Napa at the Rio was chosen for the tea and press conference. Could it be that Harrod's was coming to the Rio? Alas, no. Nor is it coming to any other hotel or anywhere else in Las Vegas. Jovial Chris Kirby, Director of Product Development for Harrod's, dashed our hopes when he said, "There is absolutely no plan to recreate Harrod's in any other part of the world."

Why then a press conference? "Because," said Kirby, "we are going to recreate the unique feel of shopping at Harrod's." How? By taking advantage of what Kirby called "the alternate opportunity to recreate the wonder of Harrod's in other parts of the world."

For the first time, Harrod's will license selected stores to carry some of its signature items. First to be licensed is Harrods Children's World, a new brand designed to showcase the essence of the enchanting children's departments in the London store. The children's departments are known in to-to as "Children on Four." Here, in a world created just for them, youngsters can shop, enjoy their own hairdressing salon and dine in a children's restaurant.

We sipped tea and munched crumpets and scones, tea cakes, and super jams from Harrod's as Countess Spencer talked about a second international licensing plan, Harrod's Christmas Grotto program.

Harrod's is always exciting, but at Christmas time it is spectacular. The licensing program would allow selected shops, on a much smaller scale, to replicate some of the Christmas magic.

Countess Spencer is a director of Harrod's International, the overseas arm of the Harrod's organization. She joined Harrod's International in 1996 at the personal invitation of the Chairman, Mohamed Al Fayed and is actively involved in the licensing program.

Although this is the first licensing venture for the company, Harrod's has numerous tax free shops at airports world-wide and more than 60 "Signature Shops" (mostly in the Far East) selling a variety of Harrod's-branded goods. Perhaps one day a "Signature Shop" will open here.

Until then, we'll have to be content with those adorable Harrod's teddy bears that will undoubtedly be part of Harrod's Children's World.

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