A SAVVY shopper has revealed how she managed to get a £120 and an £80 designer handbag for free.
The 34-year-old is a big fan of shopping at Harrods, but it’s not viable for many in the current cost of living crisis.
Each time she took in five empties, she got £5 on her rewards account[/caption]
So she took to TikTok to reveal how she’d managed to save up her points on Harrods’ reward system to be able to afford two Longchamp accessories – entirely free.
She did so by saving up her empty cosmetic bottles, and getting her family and friends to save theirs for her too.
When she took them into Harrods, she cashed them in and got £5 in return to put on her rewards card.
“Over the past year and a half, every time I’ve gone to Lakeside I’ve taken five recyclable bottles in,” she said.
“I’ve got these from family, colleagues, neighbours, always ask them to collect them for me.
“You can take five in at a time and you can do this ten times a month.”
“I saved mine up went to Harrods in Knightsbridge and got my Longchamp bags,” she added in the caption.
“Such a good incentive from @harrodsbeauty!”
She also said in the comments section that they accept “empty hand wash bottles, shower gel bottles, mouthwash bottles, bubble bath bottles, moisturisers, sun creams, deodorants (no aerosol), empty make-up (lipsticks etc)”.
And people in the comments were keen to find out more about the recycling scheme.
“Do you have to spend an amount in the store at the same time to get the £5 reward back? Like the Boots recycle scheme?” one asked.
“No not at all,” the mum replied.
“I just walk straight to the till. Hand over the 5 bottles and get 5 on my card.
“It’s so good!”
“Can you use the points on anything in Harrods?” another questioned.
“Anything at all!” she responded.
The History of Harrods
Harrods was initially established in 1834 by Charles Henry Harrod as a small grocery store in East London.
In 1849, Harrod moved his business to the Knightsbridge area, where it began to flourish.
Initially a single-room shop, it expanded rapidly, transforming into a thriving department store by the late 19th century.
The store’s reputation for quality and luxury was cemented under the management of Charles’s son, Charles Digby Harrod, who took over in 1861.
By the early 20th century, Harrods had grown into a vast emporium, famous for its opulent architecture and wide range of products.
In 1905, the store was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1883, resulting in the iconic terracotta-clad building we recognise today.
Harrods continued to innovate, introducing the world’s first escalator in 1898, and expanding its offerings to include fashion, electronics, and even exotic pets.
In 1985, the Egyptian businessman Mohamed Al-Fayed acquired Harrods, ushering in a new era of modernization and expansion.
Al-Fayed’s tenure saw significant refurbishments and the introduction of new luxury services and departments, further enhancing the store’s global prestige.
In 2010, Harrods was sold to Qatar Holding, a subsidiary of the Qatar Investment Authority, for £1.5 billion.
Under Qatari ownership, Harrods has continued to thrive, maintaining its status as a premier shopping destination.
Harrods is now more than just a department store; it is a cultural icon and a symbol of British luxury and sophistication.
The store has a long history of serving royalty and celebrities, and its motto, “Omnia Omnibus Ubique” (All Things for All People, Everywhere), reflects its commitment to offering an unparalleled shopping experience.
From its famous Food Halls to its luxurious fashion departments, Harrods remains a must-visit landmark in London.
Harrods has also influenced retail practices worldwide, setting standards for customer service, product quality, and store presentation.
Its history is a testament to the evolution of retail from small, specialised shops to large-scale, multi-departmental stores.
Today, Harrods stands as a beacon of luxury retail, blending tradition with modernity to cater to a global clientele.
“Ugh. Wish I lived near to Harrods. I do this with Boots,” someone else wrote.
“Such a good idea! I might start doing it for the Christmas fund,” another said.
“I’ve been running with the Boots scheme, but this is GREAT value!” someone else commented.
