If you consider yourself a lover of luxury fashion and beauty, chances are you‘ve heard of Harvey Nichols. This British luxury department store has been a staple of the high-end retail world since 1831. With an impressive selection of designer clothing, accessories, beauty products, food and wine, Harvey Nichols aims to provide the ultimate luxury shopping experience to its discerning clientele.
But what exactly makes Harvey Nichols stand out in the increasingly competitive world of luxury retail? Is the quality and authenticity of its products up to par with its prestigious reputation? And most importantly – is it worth shopping there? In this comprehensive Harvey Nichols review, we‘ll take a closer look at all aspects of this iconic department store to help you decide if it deserves a spot on your luxury shopping list.
The History of Harvey Nichols
To truly understand the Harvey Nichols of today, it‘s important to take a look back at the company‘s rich history. Harvey Nichols was founded in 1831 by Benjamin Harvey, who opened a linen shop in a terraced house on the corner of Knightsbridge and Sloane Street in London. In 1841, Harvey entered into a partnership with Colonel Nichols, selling Oriental carpets, silk and luxury goods alongside the linens.
The store expanded steadily over the years, gradually taking over the surrounding properties. When Benjamin Harvey died in 1850, his wife Anne took over the business, and in 1889, Harvey Nichols became a limited company. The store continued to thrive under the leadership of the Harvey family, who transformed it into a modern luxury department store complete with lavish window displays and an entirely new frontage.
In 1975, Harvey Nichols was bought by Debenhams, but the Harvey Nichols family remained involved until 1985. The flagship Knightsbridge store underwent a major refurbishment in the 1990s, adding two new floors and a fifth floor restaurant. Additional stores in London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds opened between 2002-2005.
Today, Harvey Nichols has seven stores in the UK and Ireland, plus a successful online store that ships internationally. The Knightsbridge flagship remains the crown jewel – a seven-floor mecca of luxury goods embodying the store‘s motto of offering customers the very best in "everyday luxury essentials and extraordinary exclusive collections."
Harvey Nichols Brands and Product Categories
One of the biggest draws of Harvey Nichols is the sheer variety of high-end designer brands and products offered. The store‘s brand directory reads like a who‘s who of the fashion world, with heavy hitters like Balenciaga, Balmain, Canada Goose, Givenchy, Valentino, Saint Laurent, and many more.
In womenswear, you‘ll find everything from elegant cocktail dresses and red carpet-worthy gowns to chic separates and outerwear from brands like Alexander McQueen, Ganni, Max Mara, and Victoria Beckham. The menswear department is equally impressive, fully stocked with dapper suits and casualwear from the likes of Hugo Boss, Burberry, Gucci, Off-White, and Tom Ford.
Accessories are a fashionista‘s playground at Harvey Nichols, with covetable handbags and shoes from Loewe, Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, and Bottega Veneta. Jewelry ranges from timeless pieces by Bvlgari and Tiffany & Co. to edgy, modern designs from Shaun Leane and Annoushka.
The expansive, gleaming Beauty Hall is a mecca for skincare, fragrance and cosmetics, featuring luxury brands like La Mer, Crème de la Mer, Sisley Paris, Estee Lauder and Charlotte Tilbury alongside cult favorites like The Ordinary and Fenty Beauty. Expert advisors are on hand for personalized consultations and makeovers.
Unique to Harvey Nichols is its impressive selection of luxury food and wine, with an entire floor of the Knightsbridge flagship devoted to gourmet groceries, fine wines and spirits, and extravagant gift hampers. Pampered pooches aren‘t left out either, thanks to the Pet Shop stocked with designer pet fashion and accessories.
With such an extensive brand line-up and product range, Harvey Nichols strives to be the ultimate one-stop-shop for discerning shoppers who appreciate having the best of the best all under one very stylish roof.
The Harvey Nichols Shopping Experience
Of course, even the most impressive brand selection means little if not backed up by top-notch service and a seamless shopping experience. Fortunately, this is where Harvey Nichols truly shines.
Upon entering any Harvey Nichols store, you‘re immediately struck by the sleek, modern decor and layout. Glossy tiled floors, bright lighting, and uncluttered displays create an air of understated opulence. Attentive sales associates greet you warmly, ready to offer assistance or advice if needed.
There‘s an emphasis on personalized service at Harvey Nichols. Style advisors are available for one-on-one consultations to help you find the perfect wardrobe additions or gifts. In the Beauty Hall, trained aestheticians and makeup artists provide complimentary skincare consultations, makeovers and beauty treatments. Bespoke services like made-to-measure suiting and bridal styling elevate the experience.
The Knightsbridge flagship is a true luxury lifestyle destination. A full day could easily be spent browsing the eight floors of fashion, beauty, and gourmet food – and when hunger strikes, you have your pick of five restaurants and cafes, from the Champagne Bar to the elegant Fifth Floor Terrace. Valet parking and hands-free shopping make it easy to splurge to your heart‘s content.
Online, the Harvey Nichols website is sleek and simple to navigate, with the extensive product range neatly divided into clearly labeled categories. The editorial-style content guides and "how to wear it" articles provide valuable styling advice and trend inspiration.
However, some online reviews point to a few cracks in the facade when it comes to customer service. Several Trustpilot reviewers complain of difficulty getting in contact with customer service when issues arise, and others had frustrating experiences with missing refunds and incorrect orders. While the number of negative reviews is relatively small compared to the positive, it‘s still worth noting.
Overall though, the vast majority of customers report stellar experiences shopping at Harvey Nichols both in-store and online, raving about the top-notch service and feeling thoroughly spoiled. For many, a visit to Harvey Nichols is a special treat and an all-day affair – some even call it their "happy place."
Product Quality and Authenticity
When you‘re shelling out hundreds or even thousands on a single luxury item, you want to be 100% certain you‘re getting the real deal. No one wants to drop serious cash on a convincing fake. Luckily, Harvey Nichols has a stellar reputation for stocking only authentic, high-quality merchandise from authorized brand partners. The store has strong relationships with top global designer brands and is highly selective about what makes it onto the sales floor.
That said, whenever you‘re dealing with a multi-brand retailer – even a respected one like Harvey Nichols – it‘s important to be cautious and thoroughly inspect your purchase. Carefully examine details like stitching, logo placement, hardware, and any authenticity cards or packaging to ensure everything looks and feels legitimate. If anything seems "off," don‘t hesitate to ask questions or raise concerns to the sales associate or customer service.
Regarding the quality of products sold at Harvey Nichols, the overwhelming consensus from customers is that the merchandise is top-tier and built to last. From buttery-soft leather handbags to expertly tailored suits, customers rave about the luxurious look and feel of their Harvey Nichols purchases. Many shoppers comment that the premium quality justifies the high price tags – these are investment pieces you‘ll treasure for years.
Of course, even the best quality pieces aren‘t completely immune to the occasional material defect or craftsmanship issue. A small handful of reviews mention pilling knitwear, chipped hardware, or still seams – but these complaints are few and far between. On the whole, the vast majority of customers are thrilled with their Harvey Nichols finds.
How Harvey Nichols Compares to Other Luxury Retailers
These days, luxury shoppers are spoiled for choice when it comes to department store options. How does Harvey Nichols stack up against competitors like Harrods, Selfridges, Liberty, or Neiman Marcus? While each store has its own unique flavor and specialty, Harvey Nichols is most often compared to Harrods, another quintessentially British luxury institution.
Harrods is known for being a bit more formal and traditional in tone, with imposing Edwardian architecture and extremely strict dress code (no ripped jeans, baseball caps, or flip flops allowed). Harvey Nichols, in comparison, feels more modern and fashion-forward. The store layout and merchandising has a contemporary edge, and the vibe is friendly but refined.
Some may argue that Harrods feels more luxurious and impressive (it‘s certainly larger), but others prefer the easy elegance and trendier brand mix at Harvey Nichols. Harrods may have the edge when it comes to certain upscale services (they offer a helicopter concierge and host elaborate celebrity events), but Harvey Nichols holds its own with unique offerings like complimentary style advisors and an impressive Beauty Lounge spa.
While the stores are relatively evenly matched when it comes to brands offered (both of which stock the best of the best of international designers), Harvey Nichols has won over some shoppers with its carefully curated approach. The buying team is known for picking up on emerging designers and spotlighting up-and-coming talent before it hits the mainstream. This means you can sometimes find under-the-radar gems from the likes of Ganni, Nanuskha or Rixo there before they make it big.
Pricing-wise, as two quintessential luxury retailers, neither store is a budget shopping destination. However, a few online reviews suggest that Harvey Nichols sometimes offers better markdowns during sale season compared to Harrods. But deals aside, what Harvey Nichols fans really appreciate is the exceptional customer service – in The Telegraph‘s review, writer Bethan Holt raves that "the shop attendants are actually nice to you and seem to enjoy their jobs."
Rewards and Promotions
If you‘re a regular Harvey Nichols shopper, you‘ll definitely want to sign up for the Rewards by Harvey Nichols program. It‘s free to join, and you‘ll earn points on every purchase that can be redeemed on future shopping trips. Members also get perks like free shipping and returns, rewards vouchers, and access to exclusive events.
One thing to note about the rewards program is that the points system is a little confusing. Unlike other retailers which award a clear cash value per point (like 100 points = £10), Harvey Nichols has a more opaque structure based on lifetime spend. The brand has four membership tiers (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Black), and each comes with its own points earning rate and redemption catalog. Still, if you‘re consistently racking up points on luxury purchases, the perks can be very worthwhile.
In terms of other promotions, Harvey Nichols isn‘t really a "bargain" destination. The store rarely offers storewide discount codes or blanket sales – it‘s more about exclusive offers for valued customers. Seasonal sales like the famous Harvey Nichols Summer Sale do exist, but markdowns are relatively conservative compared to more widespread high street sales.
But for some Harvey Nichols shoppers, paying full price is worth it for the service and curated experience. Getting early access to new collections or exclusive events with top beauty brands could be more appealing than a few pounds off. It‘s a different approach than mass discounting – but one that aligns with the Harvey Nichols experience as an exclusive luxury destination.
Shipping and Returns
One surprising drawback to note about the Harvey Nichols online shopping experience is the lack of a complimentary standard shipping option (even for top-tier rewards members). Orders to a UK address will cost you at least £5 in shipping fees, though you can sometimes nab a free shipping code if you sign up for the store‘s email list.
On the upside, if you do need to make a return, Harvey Nichols does cover the cost of return shipping. Items can be returned for a full refund within 30 days as long as they‘re in original condition with tags attached. Unfortunately, certain categories like beauty products, food, and sale items are ineligible for return.
The store‘s return policy is relatively generous and hassle-free, but a few online reviewers report frustrating waits on return refunds. Some had to follow up multiple times with customer service when their return wasn‘t processed in a timely manner.
The Verdict: Is Harvey Nichols Worth It?
So, after taking into account the brand selection, shopping experience, product quality, rewards potential and customer feedback – is Harvey Nichols truly worth the hype (and the extra zero on the price tag)?
If you‘re a luxury lover who appreciates top-tier service, expertly curated fashion edits and a refined but relaxed shopping experience, the answer is a resounding yes. There‘s a reason Harvey Nichols has been a favourite of celebrities and fashionistas for nearly two centuries – the store offers an undeniably luxurious experience from start to finish.
No, it‘s not the place to go hunting for rock-bottom bargains. But you can trust that any purchase from Harvey Nichols is the genuine, high-quality article crafted by a respected designer. Browsing the gleaming beauty counters or sipping champagne in the store‘s marble-clad bar feels like an indulgence in the very best way.
That said, Harvey Nichols may not be the right fit for every luxury shopper. If you prefer the widest possible brand selection or appreciate the over-the-top extravagance of Harrods, Harvey Nichols might feel a bit too curated and understated. Similarly, if you do most of your shopping online, the shipping fees and potential customer service hassles could be a turnoff.
At the end of the day, whether Harvey Nichols is "worth it" depends on your unique shopping preferences and priorities. If you value curation over quantity and covet an effortless blend of elegance and trendiness, you can‘t go wrong with a splurge at this iconic luxury emporium. But if your budget is limited or you prioritize discounts over experience, other retailers may be a better fit.
Personally, I believe Harvey Nichols is a worthwhile destination for a true dose of accessible luxury. It‘s a store that exudes refined indulgence without feeling excessive (well, aside from the price tags). There‘s something thrilling about leaving that sleek black-and-white storefront with a glossy bag dangling from your arm – even if it‘s just a special treat.
As writer Shane Watson puts it in The Times, "There are certain places that make you feel special…not because they‘re expensive, but because they combine the sharpest eye with the best service and the nicest possible environment. And that is Harvey Nichols."
For an experience that truly feels a cut above, it‘s hard to top this beloved British institution. Harvey Nichols is the crème de la crème of luxury department stores – and for a certain type of shopper, that‘s worth every penny.
