Harrods has gone through many challenges in its 170 year history, the company’s managing director reminds colleagues and customers in a message announcing the closure of most of its iconic department store.
“We continued to trade and serve our customers during World War II, and only closed for a short period of time after the car bomb attack of the 1980s,” Michael Ward says.
“Harrods is a symbol of resilience in a changing and often uncertain world, and I know that our values will ensure that we as a business come through this next chapter,” he adds.
But with the welfare of his colleagues, customers and partners threatened by the current Covid-19 outbreak, Mr Ward said he had taken the decision to close from 7pm, Friday 20th March.
However, Mr Ward continues, Harrods began life as a grocer and will continue to be a grocer serving the local community. It intends to keep its food halls and pharmacy open to the public and will continue to provide these essential services and products unless it is forced to close.
“We hope that customers will continue to visit us at harrods.com, while our social channels will continue to keep us close to our global community. We wish all of our customers, partners and friends well and look forward to seeing you again very soon,” Mr Ward concludes.
Checking the latest updates from other major watch stores, WatchPro understands that Beaverbrooks, Watches of Switzerland, Goldsmiths, Mappin & Webb, Fraser Hart, Ernest Jones, H. Samuel, Laings, Berry’s and Prestons remain open.
Bucherer, Selfridges, Olivia Burton, G-Shock and Tiffany are among retail groups that have closed their UK stores.
