Went to Harrod's, when a vacation, awhile back. The place was expensive, and the only thing I ended getting was a cassette tape, and than was about it.

The displays were nice to look at, though.

Way overcrowded, too exhausting to navigate through, and almost intimidating in terms of the amount of merchandise. So much stuff (like shopping Europe and America), so little time. Every time I've been there in my 7 years in England, I've managed to get a headache. The Foodhalls are great though. (Do NOT, repeat, do NOT go on an empty stomach.) Just cruise the ground level and exit.

A better alternative would be Harvey Nichol's (Harvey Nicks), beloved of Ab Fab fans.

I'm actually not that keen on Harrods, the best part for me is their foodhalls and some of the decor - otherwise its far too over the top and their merchandise really does make me shudder. Their window displays are excellent and the building is really impressive though. If you are visiting London, I would still say that you should go and see it, its in a really, really nice part of the city as well. Be warned, its usually pretty hectic.

This is the most wonderful department store I have ever entered! I first set foot in it 23 years ago and finally again last year on my long awaited return to London. Everything you could possibly want; beautiful atmosphere full of history and elegance and extremely polite, knowledgeable and helpful staff. If you are in London put it at the top of your list of places to visit and shop!

When you enter the store you might be impressed by the initial opulence. The in-store dining experience boasts unusual fare but is very crowded with wait-times of an hour or more. As you walk from department to department it will appear as if you can select from a wide variety of products. But this is not so if you are on a mission. It was November and I needed tablecloths, placemats, napkins and any other table dressings for a dinner party. I found the store to be poorly stocked and very expensive - unreasonably so. (If I felt that I wasn't settling for what they had as opposed to what I wanted I might not feel so cheated on the price.) However, I was impressed with the sales help. In the states, department stores are notorious for absentee or comatose sales help. Harrods' staff was very aware, energetic and desirous of pleasing. My Advice to Harrods: You need to define your true objective. At present Harrods is a theme park (they will confiscate your camera if you try to enter with one) not a department store. Yes, impressive numbers of people were moving through the store but just think how much their profits would soar if you were actually making sales. In other words...the stores ambience was unusual and innovative but the products for sale were limited in selection, ho-hum average design with a large price tag.