A century for Mr Selfridge and his spirit lives on

Laura Staples recalls the American-born retailer whose great Oxford Street emporium revolutionised British shopping habits — and is holding out against recession today

One hundred years ago this week, Harry Gordon Selfridge threw open the doors of his famous Oxford Street store. After an early career with what became the Marshall Field department store company in Chicago, he was keen to build an emporium of his own. In doing so, he revolutionised British shopping and helped create the modern consumer society.

Selfridge wanted more than just a big shop. He targeted female customers, recognising the huge spending potential of newly empowered Edwardian women. Selfridges would provide the ladies of the day with all their household needs, plus a chance to indulge themselves at the same time. He stocked all the latest fashions and technological marvels.