Simply Abu Dhabi III

186 SIMPLY ABU DHABI A Background for Luxury It’s incredible to think that all this luxury was born from linen. Back in 1813 Benjamin Harvey opened a linen shop in a terraced house on the corner of Knightsbridge and Sloane Street in London. In 1820 the business passed on to his daughter on the understanding that she go into partnership with Colonel Nichols, selling Oriental carpets, silks and luxury goods alongside the linens. 1880 saw the construction of the present building as we know it today including the front section and facia. Harvey Nichols was bought by Debenhams in 1919 and in more recent times – in 1985 – became part of the flourishing Burton Group. From such a modest conception, a luxury lifestyle brand has continued to grow and grow and shows no signs of slowing. In October 1991 the Harvey Nichols group was acquired from the Burton Group by Dickson Concepts, an international retailer and distributor of branded luxury goods based in Hong Kong and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Consequently, it underwent a major refurbishment of the Fifth Floor Foodmarket, Restaurant, Bar and Café. In April 1996 Harvey Nichols Group plc obtained a full listing on the London Stock Exchange. The Group went on to launch The OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie on London’s south bank and Prism Restaurant and Bar in the City of London. In the latter part of the nineties, the Harvey Nichols brand went from strength to strength and 1996 saw the opening of its second UK store in the Victoria Quarter in Leeds. In keeping with the style and retail philosophy of the London flagship store, Harvey Nichols, Leeds proved a massive success. As a result of Harvey Nichols growing success, the first stand-alone restaurant was launched in 1996. With breathtaking views of the River Thames, the hugely lucrative Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie proved to be a great hit and paved the way for a further restaurant – Prism- to be opened in 1999 in London’s thriving financial district. From 2000 onwards, more Harvey Nichols stores have opened both in the UK and overseas from the launch of the first overseas store in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to the opening of the first small format store at the Mailbox centre in Birmingham in 2001, the first Scottish store at St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh in 2002 right through to the launch of the second Turkish in Ankara in June 2010 which covers a remarkable 4,100 square metres of retail space in the Kent Park Mall. Following a period of almost seven years as a listed company, Harvey Nichols returned to private ownership in January 2003 and was de-listed from the London Stock Exchange. Later that year, the fifth UK store opened its doors in Manchester. At the end of February 2006, the magnificent Dubai store opened to the public and became an instant luxury landmark in the city. Luxury being what Harvey Nichols is all about. In Retail Heaven For a unique shopping experience whilst in London, this charming high-end department store does come with price tags to match, but that is part of the appeal – when you enter Harvey Nichols you feel part of an exclusive set where you can indulge in a little luxury, explore the myriad of fragrances at the perfumery, sample the delectable treats on offer in the food hall and simply lose yourself for a few hours (or more!). Think of London and think of time spent happily walking around ‘Harvey Nicks’ as it is affectionately known, browsing at the incredible designer clothes and premium beauty ranges. Harrods may be a top London landmark, but Harvey Nichols certainly gives it a good run for its money amongst the fashion elite. You’ll be drawn into the whole Harvey Nichols experience as soon as you arrive outside this celebrated store. The window displays are a sight to behold and help to draw shoppers in to the store, not that much enticement is necessary as it is few people who are unaware of the Harvey Nichols brand and the delights its’ many stores offer. With a more modern ambience and decor than the traditional Harrods, it provides a refreshing contrast and with both stores being in such close proximity, a visit to Knightsbridge really is a shopaholics dream! With the womenswear alone spread across three floors, we would recommend you don’t visit Harvey Nichols in a hurry. This is an experience to savour and savour is exactly what we did. With some fantastic vintage selections, I lost Jordana for a good half hour to the vintage Channel purses! Luckily there was plenty to catch my eye in the huge menswear department. I was beginning to work up an appetite. LONDON London’s internationally renowned lifestyle store – Harvey Nichols – began life as a modest linen shop that opened on the corner of Knightsbridge in 1813. Now a globally recognised retailer, Harvey Nichols boasts eight stores across the United Kingdom. If you’re planning a shopping trip to London, we would highly recommend a visit to Harvey Nichols. Having spent a good few hours there ourselves as part of the A&J diaries ventures, we can impart the benefit of our first-hand experience. Eminent both in the UK and internationally for the impressive scope of its exclusive fashion merchandise, Harvey Nichols is the place to shop for many of the world’s most prestigious menswear and womenswear brands as well as a diverse selection of accessories, beauty, food and homewares.