Shopping Institutions

London boasts more than its fair share of historic department stores, real city stalwarts which have been serving the varying needs of London shoppers for centuries. From decadent riches at Fortnum & Masons and posh silks at Liberty, to the mod cons of Selfridges and the chic halls of Harrods, these iconic shops, and their classic buildings, are a vital part of London society, and destinations in their own right.

- Emma Johnson

THE STRIKING BLACK and white mock-tudor frontage of the Liberty department store in the heart of London’s shopping district is one of the city’s most enduring and iconic images. Stretching along Great Marlborough Street, it is one of the most photographed sights in London and has been delighting shoppers with its eclectic and diverse approach to style for over a century. Described as one of the last great emporiums for innovative and diverse design, it was founded by Sir Arthur Lasenby Liberty in 1875, and remains to this day a destination of choice for the savvy and sophisticated shopper.

Steeped in heritage, with a unique building, shopping here feels like stepping back in time, personal and intimate – like finding a unique, stylish corner in London of your very own. And yet, it is also one of the more cutting-edge department stores in London, associated with a real pioneering approach to the designs and products it stocks.