Selfridges

Selfridges named Best Department Store in the World, 2012

LONDON—The U.K. department store Selfridges was named “Best Department Store in the World” at the Global Department Store Summit in Paris, beating other department store finalists, including Macy’s and Woolworth’s (South Africa). Selfridges also won the award in 2010.

Commenting on the honor, Selfridges owner Galen Weston said, “The Selfridges brand has gone from strength to strength worldwide, and this prestigious retail award recognizes its true value as a performer and innovator. The award criteria represents our highest priorities: a strong profile, successful development and execution of products, stores and service innovation strategies, delivery of outstanding in-store experiences, excellent customer service and strong financial performance. Receiving this distinction for a second term is very gratifying.”

Selfridges managing director Anne Pitcher added, “We are absolutely delighted that Selfridges has again been recognized as the best department store in the world. We have had a terrific couple of years since last winning, and it is a tribute to the commitment of our teams that we have been honored with the award again for 2012. As the world’s eyes are on the U.K. for the summer Olympics and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Selfridges looks forward to delivering an extraordinary London experience for our customers from around the globe.”
Selfridges was founded in 1909 by an American named Harry Gordon Selfridge. He ran the store on London’s Oxford Street until 1940. Current owner Galen Weston acquired it in 2003.
The Global Department Store Summit has been held every two years since 2008. That first year, Bloomingdale’s was voted “Best Department Store in the World.”