Harrods has opened a private members’ club in Shanghai that offers 250 ultra-rich people exclusive access to Gordon Ramsay’s first restaurant in China, a bar stocked with rare Scotch whiskies, and the Knightsbridge department store’s own-brand private jets. The retailer opened the private club, which charges minimum annual fees of US$20,900, as part of its drive to connect more with wealthy Chinese people as spending by its traditional customer base stagnates.
The club, called the Residence, is located inside Shanghai’s historic Cha House where Harrods already operates a tea room and bar, which are open to the public. Members are greeted by guards dressed in the same green uniform as those of Harrods’ store in London at Knightsbridge, which is owned by Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund.
The menu of the new Gordon Ramsay at the Residence, includes lobster and salmon ravioli, heritage tomato tart, turbot with a champagne caviar sauce, wagyu Rossini with foie gras, and fish and chips. The company said its menu “incorporates local flavours and ingredients while staying true to Gordon Ramsay’s approach to creating modern interpretations of British classics”.
The Residence by Harrods (Shanghai)
“Membership is a unique proposition in Shanghai,” the Harrods managing director, Michael Ward, said when he announced plans for the club earlier in the year. “[It will offer] not only world-class dining and spirits with a like-minded network but also unlocks exclusive Harrods international lifestyle and concierge services to create unparalleled experiences for every member.
“Online shopping was simply not enough; our Chinese clients love the greater Harrods experience and therefore it was our desire to bring this to China in an innovative way. We want to have a base to be able to maintain that relationship as we have really great customers in China.”
Chinese customers accounted for 16% of Harrods’ sales last year. Profits at Harrods almost tripled last year to US$ 200 million Sales increased 52% in the year to 28 January, according to accounts filed at Companies House.
The Residence by Harrods (Shanghai)
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