Selfridges, London
Selfridges (GPS: 51.51442, -0.15276) is one of the most iconic department stores in London, and a beloved destination for shoppers, tourists, and locals alike. Located on the world-famous Oxford Street, it has been a centre of style, luxury, and innovation since its doors first opened in 1909. Situated in the City of Westminster, Selfridges is more than a retail space—it's a piece of British cultural history and an enduring symbol of modern consumerism.
History and Origins
Selfridges was founded by American entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge. He had a vision to create a store where shopping was a pleasurable experience rather than a chore. When the flagship store opened on 15 March 1909, it revolutionised retail in Britain by placing merchandise on open display, offering personal services, and blending entertainment with commerce.
The building itself is a marvel of early 20th-century architecture, featuring a neoclassical façade supported by massive Doric columns. It was designed by American architect Daniel Burnham and constructed with reinforced concrete—an innovation at the time. The Oxford Street store is the second-largest department store in the UK, after Harrods.
Store Layout and Shopping Experience
The Selfridges flagship store covers an area of approximately 540,000 square feet across six levels, each offering a unique experience and a curated mix of luxury and high-street brands:
- Lower Ground Floor: Home to technology, travel accessories, luggage, and beauty services including a hair salon.
- Ground Floor: The main entrance leads to high-end cosmetics, perfumes, designer accessories, and jewellery.
- First Floor: Women's fashion including premium and designer labels, along with shoe galleries.
- Second Floor: Men's fashion, from casualwear to tailored suits and exclusive streetwear collections.
- Third Floor: Homeware, furniture, children's fashion, and toys.
- Fourth Floor: Restaurants, cafes, and the Selfridges Roof Deck during seasonal openings.
Services available include personal shopping, tax-free shopping for overseas visitors, beauty consultations, and event spaces. Selfridges is not just a place to buy things—it's an experience filled with artistic installations, live music, and pop-up attractions.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)20 7318 3500
Email: customerservices@selfridges.co.uk
Branches in London and Beyond
While the Oxford Street store is the flagship and most famous, Selfridges also operates other branches in:
- Manchester Exchange Square
- Manchester Trafford
- Birmingham (located in the Bullring shopping centre)
Each store maintains the Selfridges hallmark of style and service, though none match the grandeur or breadth of the Oxford Street flagship.
Getting There
Nearest London Underground Station
The closest London Underground station is Bond Street, which is served by the Central and Jubilee lines. From Bond Street Station, take the Davies Street exit, turn right onto Oxford Street, and Selfridges is just a few steps westward—a less than five-minute walk.
Alternative Transport
Oxford Street is also served by numerous London bus routes and is pedestrian-friendly. There are cycle racks nearby and several black cab ranks on surrounding streets.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM (browsing from 11:30 AM; purchasing from 12:00 PM)
Hours may vary on bank holidays or during special events. It’s best to check the official website before visiting.
Fun Fact
In 2003, Selfridges was named the best department store in the world by the Global Department Store Summit. Its window displays are a particularly big draw during the holiday season, attracting thousands of spectators every year with their bold, artistic, and sometimes provocative themes.
Additionally, Harry Gordon Selfridge is widely credited with coining the phrase “The customer is always right”—a motto that still underpins the store's service philosophy today.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Selfridges & Co.
- Opened: 15 March 1909
- Founder: Harry Gordon Selfridge
- Address: 400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB
- Contact: +44 (0)20 7318 3500 | customerservices@selfridges.co.uk
- Nearest Tube Station: Bond Street (Central and Jubilee lines)
- Total Floors: Six
- Other Branches: Manchester Exchange, Manchester Trafford, Birmingham Bullring
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Mon–Sat), 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Sun)
- Fun Fact: Its Christmas window displays attract global attention every year
Selfridges is 
on the Map of Oxford Street, London
Painting of Selfridges, London
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This page was created on 7 June 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.List of Shopping Malls in London
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