Department stores have existed since the mid-19th century and continue to be popular with luxury shoppers. Based on factors such as size, selection, and atmosphere, we have listed the world's best luxury department stores today. Whether you are looking for designer clothing, high-end beauty products, or just want to browse, these stores will not disappoint.
The World's Best Luxury Department Stores
These luxury department stores are great places to buy top designers and well-known brands. If you frequently purchase luxury goods, don't miss out on one (or more!) of these top luxury department stores!
Of course, if you can't visit the physical stores of these department stores in person, don't worry. Most of them offer online shopping services globally, and we will list their websites one by one.
What is a Luxury Department Store?
High-end department stores are spacious, with scale and history being two defining characteristics. Many of these high-end department stores date back to the 19th century, when retailers like Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue began offering customers a multi-brand shopping experience.
Luxury department stores stock designer clothing and other exclusive items, offering a high-end shopping experience across multiple floors and exclusive services like customization.
Secondly, do not confuse high-end department stores with shopping galleries or malls, such as the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan or the Bal Harbour Mall in Florida. These shopping centers are like domestic malls, housing a series of stores owned by different companies.
Luxury department stores often have various brand offers, such as Louis Vuitton, but they are all located within the same building. They are also different from concept stores like Dover Street Market in London, Merci in Paris, or 10 Corso Como in Milan. The latter type of retail space is usually smaller than a department store and sells products from various independent suppliers.
Clearly, luxury department stores offer a completely different shopping experience. A higher level of customer service and a more VIP feeling are key points that keep customers coming back time and time again.
25. Nordstrom - USA
Nordstrom is another famous luxury department store chain with locations across the United States and Canada. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Nordstrom offers shoppers a wide range of high-end, fashionable clothing and accessories for men, women, and children.
Nordstrom has now grown to include many different stores, including Nordstrom Rack – an off-price retail chain offering shoppers high-quality goods at discounted prices. With excellent customer service, unique store design, and a commitment to quality, Nordstrom provides shoppers with a pleasant shopping experience every time they visit.
Nordstrom Official Website: https://www.nordstrom.com/
For those seeking personal attention and unique discoveries, Harvey Nichols has always been a top destination. Since 1831, they have been offering designer fashion and luxury items, known for providing excellent service and a perfect blend of designer and trendsetting fashion. They are owned by the Hong Kong luxury company Dickson Concepts.
Their personal shoppers take the time to understand your style and advise you on looks that suit your personal taste and lifestyle. In addition to exclusive collaboration items, customers can find all the latest seasonal designer collections. Besides the Knightsbridge, Leeds, and Edinburgh stores, Harvey Nichols is also one of the best luxury fashion online stores.
Harvey Nichols Official Website: https://www.harveynichols.com/
Located in Switzerland, Jelmoli is one of the country's oldest luxury retail stores. The company was founded in 1899 on Bahnhofstrasse and launched a mail-order catalog.
Personal shopping services are available in German, French, and English. Jelmoli's food department is particularly popular, along with its beauty and fashion departments.
Jelmoli Official Website: https://www.jelmoli.ch/
Located in the heart of Seoul, Shinsegae Department Store offers a luxurious shopping experience. Whether you are looking for designer clothing and accessories, beauty products, or home appliances, you can find everything you need in this spacious department store.
It has six floors and covers an area of over 560,000 square feet. While enjoying retail therapy, you can also take advantage of free facilities like free Wi-Fi and rest areas.
However, Shinsegae's flagship store in Busan is the world's largest department store, covering 3,163,000 square feet (293,900 m2), larger than Macy's Herald Square flagship store, which covers 2.5 million square feet (230,000 m2).
Shinsegae Official Website: https://www.shinsegae.com/
Founded in the late 1800s, La Rinascente is one of Italy's premier retail stores. It has 11 department stores in Italy, including two flagship stores in Rome.
La Rinascente Milan is one of the largest department stores in Europe, featuring 12 floors of shopping paradise with a food court on the top floor. From luxury clothing to designer Italian furniture and specialty home goods, La Rinascente has it all!
La Rinascente Official Website: https://www.rinascente.it/en/
El Corte Ingles is a retail giant in Spain, growing steadily since opening its first store in Madrid in 1935. From that initial store, the company now operates hundreds of stores across Spain, where shoppers can enjoy unparalleled customer service and find items suitable for everyone, whether for the family or individuals.
It has become the go-to retail store for shoppers in Spain, with annual sales exceeding 15 billion euros. El Corte Ingles offers fashionable clothing for all ages, exquisite home decor, digital products, groceries, and much more. With its vast range of products, El Corte Ingles truly allows customers to shop to their heart's content!
El Corte Ingles Official Website: https://www.elcorteingles.es/
19. Le Bon Marché - Paris, France
Did you know that Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche in Paris was the world's first department store? It was opened in 1852 by Aristide Boucicaut and his wife Marguerite, aiming to "stimulate all the senses."
The store is an ideal place to find classic items such as stunning jewelry, beautiful fashion, and fine furniture. It also offers the unique surprise of limited-edition collections not found elsewhere.
Le Bon Marché Official Website: https://www.lebonmarche.com/
Founded in 1861, Bloomingdale's is one of the world's top department store chains, with 54 stores in the United States. Their New York flagship store at the intersection of 59th Street and Lexington Avenue offers a wide selection of clothing, jewelry, and other consumer goods.
The store also values customer service through its thriving loyalty program, offering exclusive merchandise and discounts to frequent shoppers. For those unable to visit a physical store, their website provides an easy and convenient shopping experience.
Bloomingdale's Official Website: https://www.bloomingdales.com/
Liberty London is an iconic department store that has become a major landmark in the vibrant and diverse city of London. Since opening in 1875, this store has been captivating people from all over the world with its unique charm.
From its stunning Tudor-style exterior to its luxurious interior featuring historical patterns, it's no wonder Liberty London often appears in films and television. Each floor of the store offers a range of products, from vintage clothing collections to luxurious perfumes and cosmetics, providing customers with a one-stop shopping experience.
Shoppers can expect a fascinating time with every visit to Liberty London, creating memories that will last long after leaving the store's bustling halls.
Liberty London Official Website: https://www.libertylondon.com/
16. Kaufhaus des Westens - Germany
Kaufhaus des Westens, also known as KaDeWe, is one of Berlin's most iconic stores. Located in the heart of Berlin, this luxury department store offers everything from textiles, fashion clothing, and accessories to specialty gourmet coffee and tea.
Known for its excellent customer service and incredible product range, it's no wonder KaDeWe attracts millions of visitors each year. With 10 floors, this magnificent destination is a must-visit when in Berlin. It is the second-largest department store in Europe, after Harrods in London.
Kaufhaus des Westens Official Website: https://www.kadewe.de/
15. De Bijenkorf - Netherlands
De Bijenkorf is a luxury retail chain with branches across the Netherlands, specializing in luxurious fashion and accessories for men, women, and children. Founded in 1870, De Bijenkorf is now owned by the Selfridges Group, offering customers stylish and sophisticated products from leading Dutch and international brands.
Whether shopping online or at one of its 7 stores, De Bijenkorf is continuously moving towards its goal of becoming a globally recognized shopping destination.
De Bijenkorf Official Website: https://www.debijenkorf.nl/
Samaritaine department store is a premier shopping destination in Paris. This beautiful landmark, located on the banks of the Seine, is known for its luxury goods and designer brands.
Since 1850, this store has been a part of Parisian culture and continues to be loved by locals and tourists alike. It was acquired by LVMH in 2001 and reopened in 2021 after a massive renovation.
From chic clothing and perfumes to exquisite jewelry and home goods, Samaritaine has something for everyone. With its classic architecture, expansive terrace, and stunning views, it's no wonder it remains one of Paris's most iconic stores.
Samaritaine Official Website: https://www.dfs.com
13. Nordiska Kompaniet - Sweden
Since 1901, Nordiska Kompaniet department stores have been an iconic feature of the shopping scene in Gothenburg and Stockholm. These upscale stores are popular with tourists and locals alike, offering a wide range of luxury goods from clothing to home furnishings.
The Gothenburg store boasts an impressive 8,600 square meters across six floors, while the Stockholm store is even larger at 10,900 square meters across seven floors. Both locations also offer dining experiences and host numerous events throughout the year.
Whether you're looking for a unique souvenir during the holidays or doing your weekly shopping, the Nordiska Kompaniet department stores in Gothenburg and Stockholm should be your first choice!
Nordiska Kompaniet Official Website: https://www.nk.se/
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