Charles Henry Harrod

Charles Henry Harrod (16 April 1799, Lexden, Colchester – 31 March 1885, Chiswick Urban District)[1] was an English business tycoon, involved in the retail trade.

At a young age, Harrod worked as a miller in Clacton, but in 1834 he relocated to London where he began selling groceries in Stepney.

The shop sold groceries and only had a turnover of about £20 per week, during the 1850s when Knightsbridge became one of the most fashionable parts of London.

Harrod concentrated on encouraging wealthy people to visit his store and provided a personalised service for important customers.

He also managed to increase trade by introducing his own brand of groceries packaged in the colours of the Union Flag.