// Harrods is launching its winter sale today, on Friday 17 December
// The wellbeing of customers and colleagues remains Harrods “top priority”
Harrods is launching its winter sale today, a full week before Christmas, “in response to ongoing trading realities”.
The Knightsbridge-based department store traditionally begins its sale on Boxing Day, but this year the sale will run throughout the festive season and into early 2021. Further reductions will also be introduced on Boxing Day, the retailer said.
The move to attract people instore comes as consumer confidence has been knocked by new restrictions and increasing health warnings following the rapid rise of the Omicron variant across the country.
Read more: Klarna announces partnership with Harrods ahead of festive season
In London, the Omicron variant now accounts for almost three quarters of positive Covid cases. There has been a surge in cancellations for pubs and restaurants, with shoppers also choosing to stay away from crowded places in the crucial run-up to Christmas.
Harrods said the wellbeing of customers and colleagues remained its “top priority”, reassuring shoppers that “the highest standards of safety measures will be in place around the store”.
Harrods managing director Michael Ward said: “As we enter this important moment in the trading calendar, we are delighted to give our customers the festive treat of the Harrods winter sale to enjoy wherever they are, be that at our iconic Knightsbridge store, online or through our remote shopping services.
“Harrods has never been afraid of adapting to suit the changing needs of our customers, and we hope that bringing our sale forwards will give our clients all over the world an opportunity to enjoy the magic of Harrods at Christmas for longer.”
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