Unfulfilled by the Gap? Think H&M stands for horrible and manky? Release your discontent here brother. This month’s centre for social rehabilitation and retail therapy is the wondrously unique and historically inundating department store, Selfridges!

Opened in 1909, Selfridges was immediately a prolific retail presence that put Oxford street on the map as on of the modern world’s shopping epicentres. Gordon Selfridge always said, 'Selfridges is for everyone.' That mantra still rings true today, concurrent with a desire to delight every customer who walks through their doors. From Gucci to gouda, apples to appliances, You name it and chances are they stock it (with class I might add). 

The store caused quite a stir when it’s doors first swung open. It proudly vaunted with its own library, post office, and a Silence Room, where a sign read, 'Ladies will refrain from conversation'! The site is now valued at £324m and it attracts more than 17 million shoppers every year! Over the last five years Selfridges London has undergone a multi-million pound, refurbishment. Many of the stores original features have been rediscovered, such as the columns in the Beauty Hall, the overall retail space has been increased, the flow and circulation improved and departments redesigned with intrinsic style to appease the zeitgeist flames of the 21st Century. In 1996 Selfridges also undertook the paramount decision to expand from the original site to other cities in the UK. Opened in 1998 the site of the second powerhouse is Manchester. The third store will be in Birmingham in the very near future, and apparently a further two stores are also in the works.

Vittorio Radice is now in command and continues to illuminate the original ethos of giving customers quality and innovation. He has striven to further challenge the archaic notion that department stores are obsolete and dull. “Selfridges is fundamentally a 'house of brands' - more than 3,000 currently on offer - and offers 17 restaurants bars and cafés over the two sites as well as a host of cutting-edge instore promotions such as Selfridges Fashion week.”

Selfridges is also a major supporter of the arts. They are a founding sponsor for the Tate Modern gallery at Bankside in London. They also boast numerous sponsorship and partnership programmes with London's Serpentine and Hayward galleries and the Royal Exchange in Manchester, as well as with individual artists. Says Vittorio, “We feel these institutions and individuals reflect Selfridges contemporary and challenging ethos.”

Browsing through the eclectic splendor of the domestic departments or cruising by the innumerable racks of latest trends, the store not only serves as a place of merchant trade, but as a veritable gallery as well. A lovely place to toss around some cash, dine with the phine, or stroll away the blues (or the “mean reds” if you’re Audrey-fied”).

Go on in n’ get chu’ some! N’ do it with style baby! Gordon Selfridge, Puffta salutes you!!!