What to expect from the new era of Harvey Nichols
You may have noticed that changes are afoot at Harvey Nichols. The historic department store has stood on Brompton Road since 1831 (albeit originally as a linen shop), and the handsome red-brick building remains the flagship boutique. Fashion industry stalwart Julia Goddard, who formerly spent 14 years at Alexander McQueen, was appointed CEO in spring 2024, and has been busy spearheading a major redevelopment to once again establish Harvey Nichols as a great British icon. With phase one now complete, she exclusively shares with us what’s in store…
Harvey Nichols is currently undergoing a major redevelopment. What is your vision for its future?
My vision is to re-establish Harvey Nichols as a British icon, synonymous with luxury, style, and personality. I want Harvey Nichols to be a place where customers shop, meet friends and enjoy the best edit of brands and collections, in an inspiring environment. We should be somewhere our local customers feel valued, as well as being a destination for tourists and overseas visitors.
What changes can we expect in the next year?
As part of our strategy to reignite the brand, we’ve focused on redeveloping our Knightsbridge flagship, to create a more intimate boutique-like shopping experience. The first phase has been recently completed, with a new retail destination, 125, on the ground floor. Anchored by a totem sculpture by British artist, Gary Card, it features jewellery, lifestyle and design objects. The first floor continues to be a destination for international designers, whilst the second floor is now focused on a wardrobing concept. Over the coming months the other floors will also be refreshed to have a clear direction, reflecting the DNA of our brand. Central to Harvey Nichols’ transformation is elevating the customer experience, whether they’re enjoying a coffee or spending time with a personal stylist. The strategy prioritises a tightly curated edit, built on exclusivity and experimental retail.
What has the response been like to the newly renovated ground floor?
We’re genuinely delighted with the response to 125 and the ground floor. The changes have been extremely well received, with customers appreciating the curated edit, personalisation, and the atmosphere that reflects the brand’s DNA and ambition for experiential retail. We’ve also had a great response to events we’ve held in the space, such as an exclusive signing of Edward Enninful’s new publication, 72.
Can you disclose what new fashion brands will be joining Harvey Nichols?
In terms of international fashion brands, we’re excited to have introduced new labels including Calvin Klein Collection, Gabriela Hearst, Etro and Issey Miyake. Whilst on the second floor, to align with the wardrobing concept, new brands include Blazé Milano, Armarium and Tove. 125 features jewellery brands exclusive to us in the UK, such as Hoorsenbuhs, Marisa Klass and Anita Ko, which sit alongside curated books by Claire de Rouen and lifestyle objects from the likes of Corsi Design and Natalia Criado. There is also a new flexible space designed to showcase innovative design collaborations, which recently opened with ‘Take a Seat’, an installation of iconic chairs curated by designer Brigitta Spinocchia Freund.
What is your favourite thing about working for Harvey Nichols?
When I was younger, I used to shop at Harvey Nichols with my mother and then as I got older it was the destination to meet friends for cocktails. I have always loved fashion and it was a place of discovery with the best collections and edit. I have a red jacquard Dries Van Noten coat that I bought years ago and still wear. To play a part in the re-establishment of Harvey Nichols as a British icon is a privilege, which I’m reminded of every day when I walk through the store.
What do you love best about Knightsbridge?
Home to renowned brands and British institutions, there really is no other area like Knightsbridge. Whilst it’s a renowned global destination for luxury, it has everything from world-class restaurants and unsurpassed shopping to parks, museums and picturesque cobbled mews streets. It’s one of London’s most beautiful and distinctive neighborhoods.
Can you tease us any information on your festive plans?
All I can say is, watch this space…
Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ; harveynichols.com
What else is happening
