Discover enchanting Universal Christmas ornaments. How can you add a touch of magic to your holiday decor. Where to find unique Harry Potter and Grinch-themed decorations. What makes Universal’s Christmas collection special.
Explore the Wizarding World with Harry Potter Ornaments
Universal’s Christmas shop offers a spellbinding collection of Harry Potter-themed ornaments that bring the magic of Hogwarts to your holiday tree. From iconic symbols to beloved characters, these ornaments capture the essence of J.K. Rowling’s magical world.
Hogwarts House Pride
Show your house allegiance with ornaments representing each of the four Hogwarts houses:
- Gryffindor Bell Ornament
- Slytherin Bell Ornament
- Hufflepuff Bell Ornament
- Ravenclaw Bell Ornament
These beautifully crafted bell-shaped ornaments feature the colors and emblems of each house, allowing fans to display their Hogwarts pride prominently on their Christmas trees.
Magical Artifacts and Locations
Transport yourself to the wizarding world with ornaments depicting famous locations and magical items:
- Hogsmeade Sign Ornament
- Sorting Hat Ornament
- Marauder’s Map Light-Up Ornament
- The Monster Book Ornament
These unique pieces serve as miniature replicas of beloved elements from the Harry Potter series, adding a touch of whimsy and wonder to your holiday decor.
Personalized Hogwarts Experience
For a truly magical touch, consider the Personalized Hogwarts Letter Ornament. This customizable piece allows you to bring the excitement of receiving your very own Hogwarts acceptance letter to your Christmas tree.
Embrace the Holiday Spirit with Grinch-Themed Decorations
Universal’s Christmas shop features an extensive collection of ornaments and decorations inspired by Dr. Seuss’s beloved character, the Grinch. These whimsical pieces add a touch of humor and heart to your holiday celebrations.
Jim Shore’s Grinch Collection
Renowned artist Jim Shore brings the Grinch to life with his distinctive folk art style. The collection includes:
- Grinch and Max in Sleigh
- Grinch Climbing in Chimney
- Grinch Gnome Set
- Grinch Nutcracker
- Grinch Stealing Candy Canes
- Grinch Holding Wreath
- Grinch Juggling
- Grinch Dated Stocking
These intricately designed ornaments capture the Grinch’s mischievous spirit and the heartwarming transformation that defines the classic story.
Grinch Figurine Ornaments
Universal offers a wide array of Grinch figurine ornaments depicting various scenes and moments from the beloved tale:
- Grinch Dressed as Santa
- Grinch with Naughty / Nice Sign
- Grinch Hanging on Wreath
- Grinch with Heart
- Grinch with Book
- Grinch Wrapping Max
- Grinch Stuffing Stocking
- Grinch Stealing Presents
These ornaments allow you to recreate iconic moments from the story on your Christmas tree, adding a playful and nostalgic touch to your holiday decor.
Grinch-Inspired Signs and Decorations
Add a touch of Grinch-y humor to your home with these festive signs:
- Don’t Be a Grinch Sign
- Bah Humbug Sign
- Merry Grinchmas Sign
- Stink Stank Stunk Sign
- Beware a Grinch Lives Here Sign
- Naughty and Nice Sign
These playful decorations serve as perfect conversation starters and add a whimsical element to your holiday decor.
Celebrate the Magic of Dr. Seuss with Character Ornaments
Universal’s Christmas shop extends beyond the Grinch to include other beloved Dr. Seuss characters, allowing fans to create a whimsical Seuss-themed holiday display.
Cat in the Hat and Friends
Bring the zany world of Dr. Seuss to life with these character ornaments:
- Cat Holding Book Ornament
- Things 1 and 2 Laughing Ornament
- Cat in the Hat with Gift Ornament
These colorful and playful ornaments capture the spirit of Dr. Seuss’s imaginative stories, making them perfect for families and fans of all ages.
Exclusive Universal Studios Ornaments
Universal’s Christmas shop offers unique ornaments that celebrate the theme park experience and allow visitors to bring a piece of the magic home.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Commemorate your visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with these park-exclusive ornaments:
- Butterbeer Stein Ornament
- Welcome to Hogsmeade Ornament
These special pieces serve as wonderful souvenirs and allow you to relive the excitement of your Universal Studios visit during the holiday season.
Collectible and Limited Edition Ornaments
Universal’s Christmas shop offers several collectible and limited edition ornaments that are sure to become cherished additions to any holiday collection.
Jim Shore Signature Pieces
Jim Shore’s distinctive style is showcased in several limited edition ornaments, including:
- Dr. Seuss – Grinch Peeking Through Wreath
- Grinch and Max in Sleigh
These intricately designed pieces combine folk art traditions with beloved characters, creating unique and highly collectible ornaments.
Dated Ornaments
Commemorate specific years with dated ornaments, such as the Jim Shore Grinch Dated Stocking. These pieces allow collectors to build a set over time, creating a lasting holiday tradition.
Personalization and Custom Options
Universal’s Christmas shop offers several options for personalization, allowing you to create truly unique holiday decorations.
House-Specific Decorations
For Harry Potter fans, the shop offers house-specific items that can be customized to reflect your Hogwarts allegiance:
- Gryffindor House Robe Ornament
- Slytherin House Robe Ornament
- Hufflepuff House Robe Ornament
- Ravenclaw House Robe Ornament
- Hufflepuff Stocking Holder
These items allow you to create a personalized Harry Potter-themed holiday display that reflects your favorite Hogwarts house.
Personalized Hogwarts Letter
The Personalized Hogwarts Letter Ornament offers a unique opportunity to create a custom piece of Harry Potter memorabilia. This ornament can be customized with a name, making it a perfect gift for young witches and wizards or a special keepsake for fans of all ages.
Pricing and Availability
Universal’s Christmas shop offers ornaments and decorations at various price points, catering to different budgets and collector preferences.
Price Range
Ornaments in the collection range from affordable options around $14 to more premium pieces priced at $39.99 or higher. The variety in pricing allows customers to find items that fit their budget while still bringing home a piece of Universal magic.
Limited Availability
Many items in the collection are marked as “LAST IN STOCK!” or “In Stock – Low Stock,” indicating their limited availability. This scarcity adds to the collectible nature of these ornaments and encourages fans to act quickly to secure their desired pieces.
Special Offers
Some items, particularly in the Grinch collection, are offered at discounted prices. For example, several Grinch-themed signs are on sale, reduced from $29.25 to $24.25, providing an opportunity for savings on these popular items.
Universal’s Christmas shop offers a diverse and enchanting collection of ornaments and decorations that allow fans to bring the magic of their favorite characters and stories into their holiday celebrations. From the wizarding world of Harry Potter to the whimsical realm of Dr. Seuss, these unique pieces offer something for every fan and collector. Whether you’re looking for a special gift, a cherished keepsake, or a way to add a touch of Universal magic to your holiday decor, this collection provides an array of options to make your Christmas truly extraordinary.
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Universal Ornament – Harry Potter – Butterbeer Stein
$39.99
In Stock – Low Stock
Details
Universal Ornament – Harry Potter – Welcome To Hogsmeade
$23.99
In Stock – Low Stock
Details
Universal Ornament – Jim Shore – Dr. Seuss – Grinch Peeking Through Wreath – 6006571
$29.99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Grinch Dressed As Santa – 6002074
$39.99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Grinch with Naughty / Nice Sign – 6002073
$29.99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Grinch Hanging on Wreath – 6006799
$29.99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Grinch with Heart – 6006798
$29.99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Grinch with Book – 6011002
$39.99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Grinch Wrapping Max – 6011005
$39.99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Grinch Stuffing Stocking – 4057466
$39.99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Grinchmas Tree Ornament – 4057862
$39.99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Grinch Stealing Presents – 4057459
$39.
99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Grinch with Banner – 4057458
$29.99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Grinch Naughty Or Nice – 4057457
$39.99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Figure Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Grinchmas Carols – 4052414
$39.99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Figure Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Grinch Got Eggnog? – 4052411
$29.99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Grinch Snowball Fight – 4045010
$39.99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Grinch Blue Deer Sweater – 4044923
$39.99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Figurine Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Cindy-Lou Who – 4044984
$30.99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Bell Ornament – Harry Potter – Hufflepuff
$39.99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Bell Ornament – Harry Potter – Slytherin
$39.
99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Bell Ornament – Harry Potter – Ravenclaw
$39.99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Bell Ornament – Harry Potter – Gryffindor
$39.99
Add your name to the waiting list
Details
Universal Jim Shore Ornament – Grinch and Max in Sleigh – 6008895
$34.95
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade Sign
$28.88
Usually Ships Within 14 Days
Details
Universal Stocking Holder – Harry Potter Hufflepuff
$57.70
Add your name to the waiting list
Details
Universal Ornament – Grinch – Don’t Be a Grinch Sign
$29.25
$24.25
Sale
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Grinch – Bah Humbug Sign
$29.25
$24.25
Sale
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Grinch – Merry Grinchmas Sign
$29.25
$24.
25
Sale
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Grinch – Stink Stank Stunk Sign
$29.25
$24.25
Sale
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Grinch Village – Grinch Stealing Christmas Tree
$14.00
In Stock – Low Stock
Details
Universal Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Cat Holding Book Ornament
$13.75
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Figure Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Things 1 and 2 Laughing
$20.99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Figure Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Cat in the Hat with Gift
$14.00
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Sorting Hat – Harry Potter
$41.72
In Stock – Low Stock
Details
Universal Ornament – Marauder’s Map Light-Up – Harry Potter
$37.44
Add your name to the waiting list
Details
Universal Ornament – Harry Potter – Gryffindor House Robe
$28.28
In Stock – Low Stock
Details
Universal Ornament – Harry Potter – Slytherin House Robe
$28.
28
In Stock – Low Stock
Details
Universal Ornament – Harry Potter – Hufflepuff House Robe
$28.28
In Stock – Low Stock
Details
Universal Ornament – Harry Potter – Ravenclaw House Robe
$28.28
In Stock – Low Stock
Details
Universal Ornament – Personalized Hogwarts Letter – Harry Potter
$34.23
Add your name to the waiting list
Details
Universal Ornament – The Monster Book – Harry Potter
$34.23
In Stock – Low Stock
Details
Universal Jim Shore Ornament – Grinch Climbing in Chimney
$27.50
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Grinch – Beware a Grinch Lives Here Sign
$29.25
$24.25
Sale
LAST IN STOCK
Details
Universal Ornament – Grinch – Naughty and Nice Sign
$29.25
$24.25
Sale
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Jim Shore Ornament – Grinch Gnome Set
$44.50
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Jim Shore Ornament – Grinch Nutcracker
$27.
50
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Jim Shore Ornament – Grinch Stealing Candy Canes
$27.50
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Jim Shore Ornament – Grinch Holding Wreath
$27.50
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Jim Shore Ornament – Grinch Juggling
$27.50
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Jim Shore Ornament – Grinch Dated Stocking
$27.50
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Grinch by Jim Shore Ornament – Grinch Tip Toeing
$29.99
LAST ONE IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Grinch – Cindy Lou Sisal Wreath
$24.99
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Ornament – Grinch – Max Wrapped In Wreaths
$30.99
Add your name to the waiting list
Details
Department 56 – Grinch – Maybe Christmas… Sentiment
$20.50
Add your name to the waiting list
Details
Department 56 – Grinch – Walking To Class Ornament
$24.
75
Add your name to the waiting list
Details
Universal Ornament – Harry Potter Hogwarts Crest Trunk
$37.44
In Stock – Low Stock
Details
Universal Studios Figurine Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Floating Fish
$16.00
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Studios Figurine Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Cork Screw
$16.00
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
Universal Figure Ornament – Dr. Seuss – Grinch PJ Party
$21.00
LAST IN STOCK!
Details
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Universal’s Holiday Tribute Store – You Won’t Believe What’s Inside
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Each year the Tribute Store at Universal Orlando just gets better and better.
Throughout the year the Tribute Store changes with the season – from spooky Halloween to exciting Mardi Gras fun. And right now Universal’s Holiday Tribute Store is brimming with festive fun.
You won’t believe the awesome photo opportunities that make it feel like you’re celebrating Christmas at Hogsmeade Village or you’ve journeyed to Whoville with the classic cartoon Grinch. Plus the shelves are loaded with must-have merchandise.
Universal Orlando Resort invited me to take an inside look at the Holidays at Universal Orlando. I would have to say that my favorite part of the day was visiting this year’s all-new Holiday Tribute Store.
The store is inspired by a Macy’s-like department store containing four rooms, or in this case, “floors” themed after “New York Holiday,” “Wizarding World Christmas” “Whoville,” and “Earl’s North of the Border.”
Pro-tip: So many people just speed through the Tribute Store. Slow down and really take in the details.
Even if you don’t buy a single item, it is okay to spend some time thoroughly checking out each room.
“New York City Holiday”
As someone who was born and raised in NYC, this floor instantly piqued my interest with the New York vintage holiday decor and red brick walls. The details are full of a bygone, elegant era.
You’ve GOT to take a moment to view each window display in this room.
New York City Christmas Room at Universal’s Holiday Tribute Store 2022 – Jenna Clark
Must-Have Merchandise on the “1st Floor”
If you’re looking for Betty Boop merchandise, there is no shortage of it here.
As the winter is approaching and evenings grow colder, you can warm up with a Betty Boop nightgown or pair of red and black slippers.
If you’re wanting to add a sprinkle of Betty to your Christmas tree, this room contains multiple Betty Boop ornaments.
Traditional holiday apparel on the “1st floor”
The “1st floor” has a fairly decent mix of character-themed holiday merchandise as well as classic items.
I love the design of the Universal Orlando Happy Holidays apparel.
If you’re wanting to brighten up your day at the parks, you can find holiday light necklaces in addition to light-up hats on the “1st floor” as well.
Happy Holidays Merchandise at Universal’s Holiday Tribute Store 2022 – Jenna Clark
Whether you want a clapperboard or a Universal Studios marquee, these ornaments will add some spirit to your tree.
If you haven’t yet been able to snag a Universal Studios ornament, you can find one at the Tribute Store.
“Wizarding World” Christmas at Hogsmeade Village
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll want to make sure not to miss the 2nd floor, also known as “Wizarding World.” Guests truly feel as though they are shopping in Hogwarts.
While there is plenty of holiday magic in both parks with Christmas at the Wizard World of Harry Potter, this second room in Universal’s Holiday Tribute Store is extra whimsical.
“Wizarding World” Christmas Ornaments and Decorations
Add some wizarding magic to your tree.
This Hogsmeade Village themed room has several themed ornaments including the well-known Butterbeer.
Hogsmeade Village Ornaments at Universal’s Holiday Tribute Store 2022 – Jenna Clark
You can represent your favorite Hogwarts House with these Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw stockings.
This room is also filled with mini plush toys that make for great stocking stuffers or gifts for little wizards.
Puzzles and Potions
Quality time with family and friends around the holidays is one of my favorite parts. “Wizarding World” has plenty of puzzles which make for a great indoor activity as it starts to get chilly.
Hogsmeade Village Room at Universal’s Holiday Tribute Store 2022 – Jenna Clark
The Hedwig Loungefly backpack is one of the many must-have pieces of merchandise from inside “Wizarding World.” It’s a great gift idea for any Harry Potter fan.
Journey to “Whoville” inside Universal’s Holiday Tribute Store
This way to Whoville! While Islands of Adventure honors the live-action movie version of The Grinch, this third room inside Universal’s Holiday Tribute Store is all about the classic cartoon.
This themed room has everything you need to make a Whoville inside your home.
Whoville and The Grinch Room at Universal’s Holiday Tribute Store 2022 – Jenna Clark
Grinch Goodies
Whether or not you’re looking for a way to eat popcorn in style or simply want to deck your home in all things The Grinch, you don’t want to miss out on the Grinchmas popcorn bucket.
Although The Grinch’s heart may be hard, the Grinchmas Loungefly backpack sure is soft and will be sure to give your wardrobe some Dr. Seuss pizzazz.
From T-shirts to sweaters filled with The Grinch, this room sure does make it feel like Grinchmas.
There are even pins with The Grinch on them that you can buy to wear on a lanyard or decorate a backpack or anything else you see fit.
Take your photo with The Grinch statue
If you don’t have time to wait hours to meet The Grinch during your visit to Universal, there is a statue of The Grinch that makes for a cute photo opportunity.
I love how well-list this photo opportunity is, and it is easy to get to. Kids and couples alike can easily snap a festive photo here.
The Grinch Photo Opportunity at Universal’s Holiday Tribute Store 2022 – Jenna Clark
The finale: “Earl’s North of the Border”
It can’t get any more Earl the Squirrel than it does in the final room of the Tribute Store. This room screams traditional Christmas with its lighted decor and other Christmas garb.
Quick backstory: Earl the Squirrel has become the icon of Holidays at Universal Orlando because of an actual squirrel. Many years ago a squirrel was found inside the towering Christmas tree at Universal Studios Florida after it would not light. Turns out some wires had been chewed through.
The culprit squirrel was found and named Earl by Universal Team Members. Over the years the popularity of Earl the Squirrel has grown, like many acorns on an oak tree.
A silly photo-op
This photo spot will make any Instagram feed or holiday card feel more lively featuring its light-filled trees and of course Earl the Squirrel himself.
Earl the Squirrel Photo Opportunity – Jenna Clark
Earl the Squirrel with a mini plush toy
Earl the Squirrel can be purchased to decorate your home in the form of a plush toy. Lots of classic holiday merchandise is in this final room, but the focus is on the food.
Earl the Squirrel Merchandise 2022 – Jenna Clark
Pick up a sweet treat before leaving
The final room of each version of the Tribute Store always includes a selection of seasonal treats. This is a great way to grab something special to snack on while enjoying a festive atmosphere.
You shouldn’t leave this room without checking out the sweet treats available.
As you head out, make sure you check out the “Earl-ando Preview Center” which honors the many events that happen throughout the year at Universal Orlando. It is also full of fun details that theme park fans will go nuts over.
It’s the perfect ending to a fun visit to Universal’s Holiday Tribute Store – a magical tree-tail therapy experience.
Orlando Date Night Guide is a free guide to the best of Orlando! We’re supported by our advertisers when they buy digital ads, listings, content, and through affiliate links, so some things you read might be paid for or if you buy something thru a link on our site we might get a commission.
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New Year’s Fair in GUM – 古姆商场最新活动信息
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December 6, 2018
New Year’s fair in GUM
GUM shone with hundreds of festive lights, filled with the aroma of pine needles and tangerines: after all, the New Year is coming very soon. In the center of GUM, instead of a fountain, a 25-meter Christmas tree was installed, under which a New Year’s fair was located. Huge kaleidoscopes under the dome, serpentine ribbons, reels of film and touching characters from favorite Soviet cartoons, snow-covered trees on the lines, as well as a forest of 90 designer Christmas trees – the main store of the country is ready for the main holiday.
The main department store on Red Square welcomes the New Year in a bright and colorful outfit inspired by favorite characters of children’s cartoons. And this is no coincidence, because in the upcoming 2019, the heroes of your favorite cartoons Cheburashka and Gena the crocodile, the Wolf and the Hare from “Well, you wait!”, Winnie the Pooh and his friends, as well as the Bremen Town Musicians will celebrate anniversaries – 50 years from the date of publication first series.
According to the good old tradition, on New Year’s Eve, friends and partners take part in the New Year’s decoration of GUM. They decorate their signature designer Christmas trees with Christmas decorations in the style of their brand. Unique GUM Christmas trees create a special holiday atmosphere in the Main Store of the country.
And the main GUM Christmas tree, decorated with figurines of Soyuzmultfilm characters, is traditionally set in the very center of the store. There are gifts under the Christmas tree: the New Year’s fair is noisy here.
The Christmas tree bazaar in GUM offers a huge selection of holiday decorations and gifts: fragrant joys Christmas sets with handmade toys, Russian Traditions souvenir balls, toys and decoration sets from Yolochka, the oldest Russian factory for the production of glass Christmas decorations in the Klin region , hand-painted toys from the Ariel factory, and, of course, the most diverse variations of the symbol of the coming year – the Pig. You can safely go here for original gifts for colleagues and friends: retro lovers will be pleased with vintage New Year’s toys.
We invite you to the New Year fair in GUM!
December 6
New Year’s fair in GUM
GUM shone with hundreds of festive lights, filled with the aroma of pine needles and tangerines: after all, the New Year is coming very soon. In the center of GUM, instead of a fountain, a 25-meter Christmas tree was installed, under which a New Year’s fair was located. Huge kaleidoscopes under the dome, serpentine ribbons, reels of film and touching characters from favorite Soviet cartoons, snow-covered trees on the lines, as well as a forest of 90 designer Christmas trees – the main store of the country is ready for the main holiday.
The main department store on Red Square welcomes the New Year in a bright and colorful outfit inspired by favorite characters of children’s cartoons. And this is no coincidence, because in the upcoming 2019, the heroes of your favorite cartoons Cheburashka and Gena the crocodile, the Wolf and the Hare from “Well, you wait!”, Winnie the Pooh and his friends, as well as the Bremen Town Musicians will celebrate anniversaries – 50 years from the date of publication first series.
According to the good old tradition, on New Year’s Eve, friends and partners take part in the New Year’s decoration of GUM. They decorate their signature designer Christmas trees with Christmas decorations in the style of their brand. Unique GUM Christmas trees create a special holiday atmosphere in the Main Store of the country.
And the main GUM Christmas tree, decorated with figurines of Soyuzmultfilm characters, is traditionally set in the very center of the store. There are gifts under the Christmas tree: the New Year’s fair is noisy here.
The Christmas tree bazaar in GUM offers a huge selection of holiday decorations and gifts: fragrant joys Christmas sets with handmade toys, Russian Traditions souvenir balls, toys and decoration sets from Yolochka, the oldest Russian factory for the production of glass Christmas decorations in the Klin region , hand-painted toys from the Ariel factory, and, of course, the most diverse variations of the symbol of the coming year – the Pig. You can safely go here for original gifts for colleagues and friends: retro lovers will be pleased with vintage New Year’s toys.
We invite you to the New Year fair in GUM!
The shopping revolution: how department stores have forever changed our habits
- Tim Hartford
- BBC World Service
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Image copyright, Getty Images
Image caption,
Selfridges Christmas window display
“I’m just looking.
” Most of us must have said this phrase at least once at the sight of an approaching smiling salesman. And hardly anyone received in response: “Then get the hell out of here.”
But these very words, heard in a London shop, made an indelible impression on Harry Gordon Selfridge.
The year was 1888, and the extravagant American was touring the major European department stores – he was in Vienna, Berlin, the famous Bon Marche in Paris, then went to Manchester and London to gather useful information and pass it on to his boss in Chicago to Marshall Field.
Field introduced the phrase “the customer is always right”, which, as it turned out, was not obvious to everyone in London.
After 20 years, Selfridge is back in London, this time to open a department store in Oxford Street under his own name.
Today, Oxford Street is a magnet for millions of shoppers from all over the world, and was then considered an uninteresting city backyard, whose only plus was the newly opened underground line with several stations located along the street.
Selfridges became a sensation, partly because of its size, with 24,000 square meters of sales floor space.
Photo copyright, Getty Images
Photo caption,
Selfridges on its opening day, March 15, 1909
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Selfridge has installed the world’s largest display windows in his store, and behind them is a lavish display of merchandise.
But even more than the size, the new store impressed with the attitude towards the customer.
Harry Gordon Selfridge introduced a new way of shopping that had already taken root in department stores in America at the end of the 19th century.
“Just looking” was highly encouraged.
As in Chicago, Selfridge abandoned the old tradition of displaying merchandise in locked glass cabinets or high up on shelves that were out of reach.
Instead, he introduced open shelves along wide aisles, which today are taken for granted: they allowed you to touch the product, pick it up, examine it from all sides without the seller constantly hanging over your soul.
In a full-page advertisement for his new store, Selfridge compared the pleasure of shopping to what people experience when they see the sights.
Image copyright, Getty Images
Image caption,
Harry Gordon Selfridge revolutionized our shopping habits
Shopping has always been closely linked to social status.
The old shopping arcades of European capitals, with their shop windows illuminated by the glow of candles and mirrors displaying dresses made of the finest fabrics in the latest fashion, were a place where the privileged classes not only looked at others, but also showed themselves.
Selfridge eschewed exclusivity and discouraged snobbery. His store’s ads ostentatiously welcomed “the entire British public”, specifically emphasizing: “No invitation cards required.”
“Bottom of the Pyramid”
Today, management consultants say that sources of income should be sought at the “bottom of the pyramid” – that is, at the large social group of the population with minimal incomes, but Selfridge was far ahead of them.
In his shop in Chicago, he addressed the working class directly with a “cheap basement” selling heavily discounted goods.
Selfridge probably did more than anyone else to make shopping the way we know it today, though ideas were certainly already in the air.
Another pioneer in this business was an Irishman named Alexander Turney Stewart who went to America.
He introduced New Yorkers to a shockingly unusual way of not bothering new shoppers by introducing a new “free entry” policy.
Photo copyright, Alamy
Photo caption,
Alexander Stewart’s store was famous for its extremely low prices: its business model was based on mass sales. , that is, a radical reduction in the prices of stale goods or last season’s fashions in order to clear retail space for new collections.
Stuart was also the first to offer unconditional money back if the product did not suit the buyer. He also encouraged his customers to pay in cash or cash a check in a short time, as before, customers stretched the credit with the store for almost a year.
He also realized that not all buyers like to haggle, and many would prefer a simple choice: pay a reasonable fixed price for an item or refuse to buy.
To make this “reasonably fixed price” approach work, Stewart began selling his products at the lowest possible prices.
“I put my product on sale at the lowest price possible, and although I get only a very small profit from each product, there is a significant accumulation of profits in the overall scale of sales,” he said.
This approach was not exclusively innovative, but it certainly was quite radical.
The first salesman Stuart hired was horrified that he was forbidden to use his skill honed over years of work to accurately assess the value of a potential buyer’s wallet and set the most exorbitant price possible.
He immediately quit, assuring the youthful Irish store owner that he would be out of business within a month.
Temples of Commerce
When Stuart died fifty years later, he was one of the richest men in New York.
Large department stores have become truly temples of trade. In Stewart’s department store, nicknamed “The Marble Palace,” his owner proudly said, “You can stare at a million-dollar merchandise, and no one will interfere with your reflection or your admiration.”
Shopping has been taken to another level, sometimes literally.
The Corvin department store in Budapest installed an elevator that attracted so much attention in itself that the store began to charge money for a ride in it.
And in London, the “moving staircase” at Harrods moved 4,000 people per hour.
And in all such stores you could buy anything – from a cradle to a tombstone.
Harrods began to offer customers a full range of funeral services.
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Image caption
Champion golfer John Henry Taylor instructs shoppers at Harrods in London at 1914
Art galleries, smoking rooms, tearooms, concert halls were opened in department stores. Storefronts grew and filled the sidewalk as entrepreneurs began to build cloisters around their stores.
According to the historian Frank Trentmann, the cult of the shopping spree was born.
Since then, the former glory of large department stores located in the city center has faded somewhat. With the spread of automobiles, shopping malls are increasingly being built on the outskirts of the city, where land is cheaper.
Tourists visiting England still indulge in trips to Harrods and Selfridges, but many also head to Bicester Village near Oxford, home to discounted outlets for leading luxury brands.
Yet the shopping experience hasn’t changed much since pioneers like Stuart and Selfridge made their revolution.
And perhaps the fact that this happened just at the time when women began to acquire both social and economic power is not at all an accident.
There are, of course, worn-out stereotypes about women and their alleged love of shopping – although the facts show that stereotypes are not always born out of thin air.
Studies on how people prefer to spend their free time show that women are actually more willing to spend it on shopping than men.
Another study shows that when going to the store, it is important for men to have convenient parking and, if possible, short checkout lines. At the same time, women put forward other aspects in the first place, for example, the degree of friendliness of the sellers.
Social reformer?
This data would not surprise Harry Gordon Selfridge.
