I used to work at the UK’s poshest store – 5 things we weren’t allowed to do & the one item that was strictly forbidden
A FORMER employee has revealed the strict rules she allegedly had to follow whilst working at the UK’s poshest store, Harrods.
Retail is one of the main industries where many have their first jobs – but have you ever wondered what it’s like working for the luxury department store Harrods?
Located in Knightsbridge, London, Harrods is home to over 3000 brands, designer fashion and accessories, luxury beauty, fine jewellery and watches, food, furniture and more.
The store has more than 3,000 employees, according to data by Statista, and one of them a few years ago was also beauty lover only known as Maggie A.
Since leaving Harrods, Maggie, who worked for the retailer for two years, has been taking to TikTok to spill the beans what it was really like inside the store – including the one item that was forbidden.
According to the young woman, there were plenty of rules the employees had to follow – however, some of them may have changed over the years.
No sitting
Although this may sound quite obvious, Maggie told the 592k followers on her page that those working on the shop floor were ”not allowed to lean on anything that was on the counter” or ”sit down”.
The only exception, she added in the video, was ”if you were pregnant”.
”Feet were on fire constantly.”
Forbidden item
Sharing the store’s secrets, Maggie also revealed the one popular item from the supermarket or your local cornershop that was big no-no.
”You were also absolutely not allowed to chew gum. Chewing gum was completely forbidden – which I was understand why.”
Harrods badge – a must at all times
Like many high-end retailers, Harrods, too, allegedly made their employees wear badges ”at all times”.
According to Maggie, who regularly posts beauty and skincare content on the platform, those who forgot theirs at home ”would be told off”.
”You’d be told that ‘You need to do better’, ‘You need to bring it in the next time’ and you’d have to wear a replacement one that just said ‘Harrods’.”
Formal attire
Another big no-no the staff had to follow was ensuring their outfit wasn’t ”too revealing”.
Not only did the clothes have to be ”professional”, but Maggie noted the employer also required the garments to be ironed ”and muddy shoes were not permitted”.
The female workers were also allegedly told to wear heels – however, the former employee said they only listened to this rule when the store manager was in to avoid the telling off.
The History of Harrods
Harrods was initially established in 1834 by Charles Henry Harrod as a small grocery store in East London.
In 1849, Harrod moved his business to the Knightsbridge area, where it began to flourish.
Initially a single-room shop, it expanded rapidly, transforming into a thriving department store by the late 19th century.
The store’s reputation for quality and luxury was cemented under the management of Charles’s son, Charles Digby Harrod, who took over in 1861.
By the early 20th century, Harrods had grown into a vast emporium, famous for its opulent architecture and wide range of products.
In 1905, the store was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1883, resulting in the iconic terracotta-clad building we recognise today.
Harrods continued to innovate, introducing the world’s first escalator in 1898, and expanding its offerings to include fashion, electronics, and even exotic pets.
In 1985, the Egyptian businessman Mohamed Al-Fayed acquired Harrods, ushering in a new era of modernization and expansion.
Al-Fayed’s tenure saw significant refurbishments and the introduction of new luxury services and departments, further enhancing the store’s global prestige.
In 2010, Harrods was sold to Qatar Holding, a subsidiary of the Qatar Investment Authority, for £1.5 billion.
Under Qatari ownership, Harrods has continued to thrive, maintaining its status as a premier shopping destination.
Harrods is now more than just a department store; it is a cultural icon and a symbol of British luxury and sophistication.
The store has a long history of serving royalty and celebrities, and its motto, “Omnia Omnibus Ubique” (All Things for All People, Everywhere), reflects its commitment to offering an unparalleled shopping experience.
From its famous Food Halls to its luxurious fashion departments, Harrods remains a must-visit landmark in London.
Harrods has also influenced retail practices worldwide, setting standards for customer service, product quality, and store presentation.
Its history is a testament to the evolution of retail from small, specialised shops to large-scale, multi-departmental stores.
Today, Harrods stands as a beacon of luxury retail, blending tradition with modernity to cater to a global clientele.
Smiling 24/7
Welcoming a hoard of potential customers every day, the luxury department store also allegedly wanted to ensure their workers smiled at all times.
”I can’t even tell you the amount of times I got told off for not smiling – when there would literally be no one around me, no one that I was smiling to.
”In their eyes, I would just still have to stand there smiling. Makes no sense.”