Harrods launches winter sale early in response to "ongoing trading realities"

Harrods is launching its historic winter sale today, a full week before Christmas, “in response to ongoing trading realities”.

The Knightsbridge-based luxury department store has this morning launched its first discounts - well ahead of the traditional Boxing Day event - with offers of up to 50% off in-store and online.

The sale will run throughout the festive season and into early 2021, with further reductions introduced on Boxing Day, the retailer has said.

The move by Harrods comes amid a surge in booking cancellations for pubs and restaurants as the rapid rise of the Omicron variant sweeps the country. Consumer confidence has been knocked by new restrictions and increasing health warnings.

Harrods said the wellbeing of customers and colleagues remained its “top priority” and “the highest standards of safety measures will be in place around the store”.

Harrods managing director Michael Ward said: “As we enter this important moment in the trading calendar, we are delighted to give our customers the festive treat of the Harrods winter sale to enjoy wherever they are, be that at our iconic Knightsbridge store, online or through our remote shopping services.

“Harrods has never been afraid of adapting to suit the changing needs of our customers, and we hope that bringing our sale forwards will give our clients all over the world an opportunity to enjoy the magic of Harrods at Christmas for longer.”

Rival department store Harvey Nichols is currently offering up to 50% of selected stock, as is Fenwick, while Selfridges and Liberty have yet to launch their sales.