The best departmental store in the world

At the Global Department Store Summit in Paris (GDSS), The Intercontinental Group of Department Stores (IGDS) announced that Selfridges has once again been recognised as the Best Department Store in the World for an unprecedented second time, and will retain the honour until 2014. (Photo by Craig Ritchie/Getty Images)

Selfridges took the top slot amongst finalists from around the globe, including renowned retailers such as Macy’s in the United States and Woolworths in South Africa. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

Selfridges has been a top London destination and UK landmark for over a century, challenging the rules of retail from day one. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

The Oxford Street flagship and its three sister stores continue to set the pace for retail in the 21st century, with an ongoing mission to create the greatest shops on earth. The store is committed to creating extraordinary customer experiences that amaze, amuse and delight Londoners and international visitors. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

“The Selfridges brand has gone from strength to strength worldwide, and this prestigious retail award recognizes its true value as a performer and innovator,” said Galen Weston, owner of Selfridges. “The award criteria represents our highest priorities: a strong profile, successful development and execution of products, stores and service innovation strategies, delivery of outstanding in-store experiences, excellent customer service and strong financial performance. Receiving this distinction for a second term is very gratifying.” (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

IGDS is the largest association of department stores worldwide and counts 32 members from 30 countries on five continents. Its Global Department Store Summit, held every two years, is the world’s only department store-focused discussion platform. The award ceremony marked the culmination of the summit, attended by over 380 prominent executives and stakeholders from the world over. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

Anne Pitcher, Managing Director of Selfridges & Co, commented, “We are absolutely delighted that Selfridges has again been recognised as the best department store in the world. We have had a terrific couple of years since last winning, and it is a tribute to the commitment of our teams that we have been honoured with the award again for 2012. As the world’s eyes are on the UK for the summer Olympics and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Selfridges looks forward to delivering an extraordinary London experience for our customers from around the globe." (Photo by Gareth Davies/Getty Images)

The business was founded by American entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge in 1909 and was widely regarded as the first and best example of a modern department store. Gordon Selfridge ran the store himself until he retired in 1940. (Photo by Tim Whitby/Getty Images)

After several ownerships the company was de-merged from the Sears Group in 1998 and floated on the London Stock Exchange. In 2003 W. Galen Weston purchased Selfridges and under his ownership Selfridges has become a unique UK destination for fashion, luxury and retail theatre known for its world-class yet egalitarian customer approach. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

n June 2010 Selfridges was named Best Department Store in the World by the IGDS (Intercontinental Group of Department Stores). Selfridges has four stores in London, Birmingham and Manchester (Trafford Centre, Exchange Square) and an online store delivering within the UK. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)