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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Harrods Now Selling Gold Bars

London emporium offers bullion to luxe-loving shoppers

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(Newser) – The world's most over-the-top department store has taken bling to a new level. Beginning today, shoppers at Harrods, the London emporium owned by Egyptian billionaire Mohamed al-Fayed, can buy gold bars and coins over the counter. The store has teamed with a Swiss bank to arrange for customers to purchase the precious metal, now at $1,072 an ounce, "off the shelf."

"The financial environment has kindled a new demand for physical gold among private investors," said a Harrods exec. "For many people this is a new and unfamiliar asset class that demands absolute trust. Until now, London has had no well-recognized name serving this market."

Gold standard bars are piled up at the gold smelter company Argor-Heraeus in Mendrisio, Switzerland.
Gold standard bars are piled up at the gold smelter company Argor-Heraeus in Mendrisio, Switzerland.   (AP Photo/Keystone, Karl Mathis, file)
The exterior of Harrods, on Brompton Road in London.
The exterior of Harrods, on Brompton Road in London.   (©gadgetdude)
Harrods, the London department store, will sell gold bullion over the counter.
Harrods, the London department store, will sell gold bullion over the counter.   (©Morgaine)
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3 comments
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DarkFrancis
Oct 15, 09 7:35 AM CDT
Harrods has long been known as the store that could get you anything you wanted. Except humility, compassion and common sense. Reply
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BleeBloo
Oct 15, 09 9:06 AM CDT
This strikes me as ripe for a stickup. Reply
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+1
Jassy
Oct 15, 09 9:19 AM CDT
I wondered who was behind all those "buying your old gold jewelry" adds. Reply
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