Founded in 1909 by American entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge, Selfridges is widely recognised as the original and finest example of the modern department store.
For over a century, Selfridges has stood as a retail icon and a landmark of British culture, redefining the shopping experience through innovation, creativity and a bold approach to retail.
Selfridges operates four flagship stores in the UK - London, Birmingham and two in Manchester (Trafford Centre and Exchange Square) each offering immersive retail destinations and pioneering product launches.
Our global reach extends through our international website, which serves customers in the UK and across more than 130 countries, offering transactions in eight currencies.
Selfridges is committed to continuing founder Harry Gordon’s legacy of championing diversity and inclusion. Through our ‘Open to the World’ strategy, we strive to foster a truly inclusive environment that reflects our diverse teams, customers and communities.
Recent accolades include:
- The Industry Fashion People, Planet & Purpose Awards - Retail Excellence (2025)
- Diversity In Luxury - Ethical Luxury Initiative of the Year (2024)
- UK Green Business Awards - Retailer of the Year, Highly Commended (2024)
- Best Retailer - Positive Luxury Awards (2020)
- Best 25 Big Companies to Work For - The Sunday Times (2020)
- Best Department Store in the World at the Global Department Store Summits – (2010, 2012, 2014, and 2018)
In 2019 PAUL is celebrating its 130 year anniversary, arriving at this impressive milestone via five generations dedicated to creating great-tasting bread. It’s a remarkable story of one family whose belief in traditional, labour intensive baking methods and insistence on top quality ingredients have created the largest bakery in France today, and taken the PAUL name to 28 other countries.
PAUL has always been a community bakery, bringing the authentic taste of real French baking to its local customers. Whether they meet at cafes to chat with friends over a coffee and a pastry, or take food home to enjoy with friends, PAUL is dedicated to sharing its passion for food with customers all over the world. The recipes for bread, viennoiserie and patisserie have been handed down through the family for over one hundred years. The bakers are true artisans, with years of training.
PAUL UK opened in London in 2000 with its flagship shop and restaurant in Covent Garden. There are now a total of 37 shops in the UK, primarily Central London locations. Expansion plans are undergoing. This expansion will provide great opportunities for more people to join the business and to develop a career as the company grows.
Today PAUL has more than 500 stores operating in 29 countries, including France, Holland, Japan, Kuwait and the USA. It is still owned by the founding Holder family.