I had a horrendous experience with the security men at Harrods on New Years Eve. At the first door I am refused entry for inappropriate footwear - my cycling shoes. I was told they were a health and safety hazard despite have a recessed cleat and full rubber sole. I explained this to the doorman to no avail so tried the next door along. Greeted by doorman with "excuse me sir, do you know what happens next?"
"Yes, I am going shopping."
"No you are not, as you are in work attire"
"Excuse me, but do you know what I do for a living?"
"I have a good idea what you do."
Me "really, so you guessed that I am a civil servant who works for the New Zealand government and that I have my full work ID with me?" The door man then picks up the phone, and starts saying to his colleagues "is this the one, can I get some help please?" I waived at him and said "while you are on the phone I will go shopping, we can finish this chat later." I completed my shopping - I knew exactly what I wanted which was a pair of Prada sport trousers and found the guard as I was leaving. I tapped him on the shoulder and said "I've done my shopping, thanks for your contribution to the experience". I am not sure why Harrods does not want people who cycle in the store, especially as you sell bicycles. This is not the first time I have had this type of experience, I have previously been refused entry for having a courier bag on my back. As someone who cycles long distances around London for my commute the courier bag is the most sensible option. If you do not want cyclists in your shop I would suggest you should stop selling bikes and make it clear on the door that we are not welcome. To be given inconsistent excuses as to why my custom is not wanted in the shop is really quite offensive.
I just sent this to Harrods:
I had a horrendous experience with the security men at Harrods on New Years Eve.
At the first door I am refused entry for inappropriate footwear - my cycling shoes. I was told they were a health and safety hazard despite have a recessed cleat and full rubber sole. I explained this to the doorman to no avail so tried the next door along.
Greeted by doorman with "excuse me sir, do you know what happens next?"
"Yes, I am going shopping."
"No you are not, as you are in work attire"
"Excuse me, but do you know what I do for a living?"
"I have a good idea what you do."
Me "really, so you guessed that I am a civil servant who works for the New Zealand government and that I have my full work ID with me?"
The door man then picks up the phone, and starts saying to his colleagues "is this the one, can I get some help please?"
I waived at him and said "while you are on the phone I will go shopping, we can finish this chat later."
I completed my shopping - I knew exactly what I wanted which was a pair of Prada sport trousers and found the guard as I was leaving. I tapped him on the shoulder and said "I've done my shopping, thanks for your contribution to the experience".
I am not sure why Harrods does not want people who cycle in the store, especially as you sell bicycles.
This is not the first time I have had this type of experience, I have previously been refused entry for having a courier bag on my back. As someone who cycles long distances around London for my commute the courier bag is the most sensible option.
If you do not want cyclists in your shop I would suggest you should stop selling bikes and make it clear on the door that we are not welcome. To be given inconsistent excuses as to why my custom is not wanted in the shop is really quite offensive.
Not sure they will give a damn about it.