Harrods Opens Store In Italy

words by Carol King Luxury British department store Harrods has opened a store in Italy at Porto Cervo on the island of Sardinia. The Harrods brand is famous for its department store on London’s Brompton Road in Knightbridge. The new boutique is at Porto Cervo on the Costa Smeralda in the Deluxe Village luxury-shopping development. Although Harrods has outlets in airports and shopping centres worldwide, the Italian boutique is the first Harrods store outside of London. The Harrods brand is owned by the royal family of Qatar. The Qatar Holding group of companies also owns the Porto Cervo marina where the boutique is located as well as four hotels on the Italian island. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the then ruling Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The ‘Daily Telegraph’ reports that Qatar Holding has said the development is the “first step” in its commitment to the region. The Sardinian store will sell goods by leading brands including Maserati, Bugatti, Chopard, Hublot and Valentino. If the venture is a success then the pop-up boutique may re-open in 2014. The space is designed by Italian architect Gio Pagani, and is made of glass and steel. The boutique will be open throughout the summer until 6 September.