Among the department stores here are two of London’s best: John Lewis, “never knowingly undersold”, and Selfridges, a temple to consumerism.

You get two bites at Marks & Spencer, but go to the Marble Arch Branch: their flagship shop often has things you’d be lucky to find elsewhere. Stock up on home entertainment at Virgin Megastore or HMV – HMV’s outlet at No.150 is the largest music shop in Europe.

Oxford Street scores highly for “throwaway fashion”. H&M, Miss Selfridge, Topshop, Warehouse and Zara keep one another keen. (After H&M came out with a Stella McCartney range, Topshop signed Kate Moss to design a collection.) And there are numerous shoe shops, including the funky Shelley’s on the southeast corner of Oxford Circus.

One of the street’s delights is the Japanese Muji store at No 187. Its mix of household items, stationery, accessories and gifts utilises natural materials and simple design, all at reasonable prices.

Deviate to the top of Regent Street, south of Oxford Circus, to take in the serene Apple Store and bewitching Hamleys – six exciting floors of toys including bespoke teddy bears made while you watch

For more details about Oxford Street visit http://www.guidedtourlondon.com/oxfordstreet.html For more details about London, England visit http://www.guidedtourlondon.com

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Let’s assume you’re visiting London for just a few days. Doesn’t it make sense to go to one of the city’s famous department stores where you’ll find everything under one roof?

Here’s an essential guide to London’s best stores, written by a Londoner:

Harrods

Everybody has heard of Harrods!  It’s like a playground which you can happily get lost in for hours.  I especially recommend the Food Hall – try an authentic Italian “gelato” if you really want to spoil yourself.  Although Harrods can be expensive it’s always great fun, even just to window-shop!

Liberty

Liberty became famous for dressmaking but is actually a general department store. It is not all that well-organised as a store but that is actually part of its charm. The homewares department is particularly attractive. The store is right in the centre of London near Regent Street.

Selfridges

Selfridges is heaven for the fashion-conscious and all those who want to browse their favourite designer brands under one roof. The store’s window displays on Oxford Street are always a spectacle.  Selfridges is also known for its special events and exhibitions which change every season. Watch out too for the famous Selfridges sales.

Harvey Nichols

This store is a haunt of London’s jetset, known as the “Sloane Rangers” or the “ladies who lunch”…you’ll see them with their fancy handbags on the 5th Floor Café!  Harvey Nichols has almost 130 years of history and is especially highly-rated for beauty items and fashion accessories.

Fortnum & Mason

One of the best stores in London to buy gifts and souvenirs, especially edible items like teas (hundreds of varieties), chocolate and those famous English preserves.  Sample some of its mouthwatering delights (including a traditional English breakfast) in the store’s restaurants.  Fortnum & Mason is famous for its amazing hampers: you can take one with you to one of London’s fabulous Royal Parks!

That completes our quick round-up of London’s best stores: happy shopping!

Where in London should you stay to experience shopping heaven? That’s answered in this free guide to London’s best hotels for shopping. The author also provides free real-time London tips.

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When was the last time someone came into your business, or called on the phone, or better yet emailed you with a throbbing case of the nasties? Our business is located just outside of the city with a bus stop in front. We also own several niche market web sites. Do you suppose we get our share of interesting characters?

Somehow, this philosophy/policy of, “The customer is always right” has been branded into the consumer’s psyche and repeatedly shoved in the face of business owners, managers, and employees. Having worked in Law Enforcement for several years, we’re taught by our instructors and leaders to consider “the spirit of the law” versus “the letter of the law.” These considerations dictate whether or not the cop is going to give you a ticket for going 5 miles over the speed limit. If we’re to follow the “letter of the law,” we’re going to go by the book each and every time without exception. It’s the “spirit” that allows us discretion to listen to a creative story of how your lover caught you with your spouse again and “thank God you’re here to protect me, Officer… and that’s why I was speeding. I was trying to get away!”

Shouldn’t we, as business owners and managers, have that same option of discretion when a less than reasonable customer approaches chanting that misguided mantra? Now, of course, this is not to say that we should not recognize our positions as “authority figures” and practice a higher degree of professionalism, diplomacy, and tact. All of which are vital to your business. Professionalism is the difference between giving the appearance of genuine concern, and wrapping your knuckles on someone’s forehead to see if anybody’s home. Diplomacy is being able to give your customer the perception that you owe them, and have provided them with, an apology by stating something to the affect of, “I’m sorry you feel that our policy has inconvenienced you.” instead of actually apologizing and admitting fault for something that your company is righteous in maintaining. Tact is being able to tell your customer that it appears that your (policy, sign, product, etc.) was simply misunderstood without having to tell him/her that they’re a complete moron.

Now, I’m also not condoning never admitting fault or accepting responsibility for genuine wrongs and doing everything within your ability to correct them. And there are schools of thought that strictly forbid admitting fault. Their mantra? “Better to ask forgiveness than permission.” However, by the very nature of such an absolute statement such as, “The customer is always right,” provides people, who for no other reason but a sense of entitlement, a free pass to come into your business with the expectation that they’re going to be able to conduct themselves however they wish. This includes treating you and/or your employees with utter disrespect and rudeness. As a result, our employee attrition rate is relatively low because we allow them the discretion of practicing professionalism, diplomacy, and tact.

Fortunately, most of our clientele allow us the opportunity to provide them with genuine friendly service and resolve any issues with a mutually beneficial outcome. Unfortunately, every once in a while, you come across a customer, who no matter what extraordinary efforts you deploy to appease, is simply unreasonable. With that, you must then make an executive decision and these are just a few questions that should be considered in rapid-fire succession almost immediately. Is this customer worth keeping? How adversely will kicking him in the pants affect my business? Am I able to resolve this issue with little impact on my business or bank account? Am I going to diminish my employee’s sense of empowerment and/or sense of dignity by overturning their reasonable decision? I’m sure there are other considerations that you’re likely to make, but these are the very minimum.

Incidentally, the person responsible for us having to endure the phrase, “The customer is always right.” was a gentleman by the name of H Gordon Selfridge. Mr. Selfridge was the founder of Selfridge’s Department Stores widely known across the United Kingdom. Perhaps Mr. Selfridge was stuck in the “letter of the law,” as he died insane and bankrupt. Food for thought.

“Is the Customer Always Right” article authored by John R Valente of http://www.IndieRetailer.com

John Valente is co-founder of IndieRetailer.com, a search engine, resource center, and blog specifically designed for the independent retail industry. John, and wife Jennifer are independent retailers who have owned and operated a brick and mortar store as well as several websites that include [http://www.fantasticfelines.com], http://www.AromatherapyCandle.com, CaliforniaEbooks.com, and CreativeOutsourceGroup.com to name a few since 1998.

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Simon Carter has enjoyed a steady stream of success with his distinctive styling and continues to anticipate consumer demands, which is part and parcel of maintaining his reputation as a premier British fashion designer. In the 80’s and 90’s he introduced fresh and exciting designs that revolutionised the men’s accessories market, which had long been stagnant.

His company began selling pewter brooches for men but really found its niche when it began selling cufflinks. He combined in his designs semi precious stones, complimented by other organic materials like Paua shell from the far away shores of New Zealand. Symmetrically divided by thin strips of metal they resemble art deco architectural embellishments, while other designs maintain more simple form using cat’s eye in subtle pastel colours of blues and pinks.

In the mid-1990s the company opened its own showroom and shop in London’s West End. International sales also began to take off, with agents appointed to sell Simon Carter products in the U.S., Canada, Japan and Australia. Today, the accessories (which include watches, cufflinks, ties, luggage, small leather goods and pens) are carried in some of the most exclusive department stores and independent retailers in 35 countries around the world, including Selfridges, House of Fraser, John Lewis, Takashimaya, Bloomingdales and David Jones.

Early 2002 saw Simon Carter branch out to include a menswear line. From the start, the range proved very popular and the collection is now stocked in House of Fraser, Selfridges, Moss Bros, Fenwicks, Brown Thomas (Ireland), GB Place (Japan) and David Jones (Australia).

Dressing The West Ham Football team and actor Will Smith propelled him onto the intentional stage. Other windows of opportunity opened more recently when, Simon Carter signed a clothing and franchise agreement for Japan with Japanese company, BBS. The five year deal covers designing, manufacturing and distribution of a clothing range in Japan and the opening of stand-alone stores in Tokyo and Osaka.

Simon’s boldness in the face of conservatism has been the hallmark of his success. He took notice of customers’ demands and responded accordingly. Subsequently, of course, he enjoys strong sales and continuing growth. Fortunately he is not alone, Simon is complimented by other well known English brand names like Paul Smith, Ian Flaherty, Fred Bennett, Duchamp, Babbette Wasserman and many more who provide healthy competition, plus the choice and variety that has been lacking for so many years.

Now we wait in great anticipation for the next range of designer cufflinks

If you would like to learn some interesting historic anecdotes about the evolution of style and fashion follow this link http://patrickmcmurraysfashionaccessories.blogspot.com

If you would like to see some stunning silk ties, cufflinks, belts and wallets, follow this link http://www.patrickmcmurray.com

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