Harrods

Harrods began as a modest, one-room grocery shop founded by Charles Henry Harrod in 1849. While it is now a global symbol of opulence, its early days were spent selling tea and basic provisions to the residents of Knightsbridge. The store nearly vanished entirely in 1883 when a massive fire gutted the building just before Christmas. Rather than folding, the business managed to fulfill all of its holiday orders on time, a feat of dedication that cemented its reputation and paved the way for the grand expansion that eventually created the landmark you see today.