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Christmas Arriives Early In London
Christmas arrives early in capital
9 August 2006
Christmas officially arrived in London on Tuesday as one retailer ignored the hot weather and got into the festive spirit.
Launching its 15,000 sq ft 'Christmas World', Harrods reminded customers they have only 139 shopping days left before December 25.
A Father Christmas clad in a red safari suit and accompanied by a zebra were drafted in to mark the event.
Bing Crosby's 'Let It Snow' played in the background of the department store's Christmas area.
Harrods said foreign tourists were the main reason it had launched Christmas World in August every year for the last decade.
Rival London store Selfridges will open its Christmas shop on Thursday - a fortnight earlier than usual.
Tinsel, Christmas trees, cards and decorations are among the items crammed into the festive area on Harrods' second floor.
A single bauble priced at £329 is one of the most expensive items while the cheapest bauble cost just 75p. The store plans to sell luxury crackers priced at £1,000 for a box of eight and even a £15,000 Christmas gift voucher for the person who has everything.
Harrods' corporate communications director Peter Willasey said the August launch came in response to high customer demand.
"There are cynics out there who say it is too early. If the whole store was decked out then yes, it would be too early, but that won't be until the beginning of November," he said. "Just this one small area will be up and running before then."
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