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Harrods takes top honours
London department store Harrods has scooped two major prizes for its Cook Shop in the IHA 2018 Global Innovation Awards
‘Harrods excels in everything it does’. Plus, ‘it has a great array of emotion present in its visual merchandising, and always conveys a wonderful sense of storytelling in both window displays and in-store’. On hearing the news, Annalise Fard, director of home at Harrods, commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to see Harrods’ ongoing commitment to technology and innovation recognised. Winning the awards is an incredible honour for both myself and our extremely talented buying team. “Harrods recognises the growing demand for
innovative home appliances and new cookware collections, with our buyers regularly exploring marketing-leading product offerings and ranges, all carefully selected with our discerning customer in mind.” Measuring a total of 1,250sq m (13,466sq ft),
F
rom a humble ground-floor grocery store founded in 1849, Harrods has evolved into a seven-storey luxury department
store on Brompton Road in the Knightsbridge district of London, with a plethora of awards under its belt. Earlier this year, the retail giant triumphed in the 2018 IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) in Chicago. Harrods was announced as one of the five top housewares retailers in the world, becoming a gia Global Honoree for Retail Excellence, and was the recipient of the Martin M. Pegler Award for excellence in visual merchandising. The gia jury agreed that from store design and customer service to marketing and staff training,
Harrods’ Cook Shop and Home Appliances rooms are filled with housewares and small electricals with the emphasis on design, quality and function. Annalise said: “Many of our customers are aspiring
chefs, looking for products of a professional standard, which we are able to offer. We also provide live in-store demonstrations, creating a truly unforgettable customer experience.” BBQ demonstrations, outdoor cooking and
entertaining are often a focus during summer, and in winter, it’s all about baking and roasting. The spaces regularly host visits from celebrity chefs and authors, who take part in book signing sessions or give demonstrations of how to recreate their recipes at home. Music is played throughout the departments with the aim of creating a welcoming atmosphere, and technology is close at hand, with iPads and plasma
screens spread throughout the spaces to demonstrate the full potential of the products available. The gia jury concluded: ‘Harrods continues to
surpass the expectations of its visitors and offers an unparalleled shopping experience. It’s renowned all over the world for its array of luxury and high quality merchandise and its devoted customer service. ‘Staff are regularly given the opportunity to
attend education training classes and courses throughout the year. Harrods also has a learning & development team that aims to promote learning using a blended approach of experience, coaching and formal learning. ‘What undoubtedly sets Harrods apart from its competitors is its fantastic people. From the exceptional selling staff and expert buyers to the skilled chefs and famous ‘Green Men’ welcoming customers at the door, these unique individuals make up an inspirational team.’
• The annual gia (Global Innovation Awards) programme was created by the IHA
(International Housewares Association) of the US and the International Home + Housewares Show of Chicago to foster innovation and excellence in housewares retailing throughout the world. The 2018 gia Global Honorees are: Harrods
(UK), The Chopping Block (US), Tugo (Colombia), Manufactum (Germany) and Pollmann sinds 1890 (Netherlands).
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September 2018
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