Harry Gordon Selfridge was the audacious American entrepreneur behind one of the world’s greatest department stores, Selfridges. When the flagship Oxford Street store opened its doors in March 1909, it was unlike anything London had ever seen. More than a shop, it was a destination — a radical idea at a time when retail was transactional and joyless.
Selfridge had a particular vision for women. At a time when they were rarely seen in public unaccompanied, he created a space where they could browse, socialise, and spend time freely and safely. It was a quietly revolutionary act, and it helped propel Selfridges to become London’s most beloved department store.
The story of Selfridge and his store was brought to a new generation through ITV’s acclaimed drama series Mr Selfridge, which pulled back the curtain on the glamour, ambition, and controversy behind the man. Today, Selfridges remains an icon of the capital, with further stores in Manchester and Birmingham welcoming millions of shoppers every year.
Behind the showmanship, Selfridge was a sharp thinker with a genuine philosophy on leadership, commerce, and human nature. Here are ten of his most memorable quotes — words that feel just as relevant in business today as they did over a century ago.
10 Quotes from Harry Gordon Selfridge
1. On getting attention
“People will sit up and take notice of you if you will sit up and take notice of what makes them sit up and take notice.”
2. On leadership vs. management
“The boss drives his men; the leader coaches them.”
3. On authority vs. influence
“The boss depends upon authority; the leader on goodwill.”
4. On fear vs. inspiration
“The boss inspires fear; the leader inspires enthusiasm.”
5. On ego vs. team
“The boss says ‘I’; the leader says ‘we’.”
6. On problems vs. solutions
“The boss fixes the blame for the breakdown; the leader fixes the breakdown.”
7. On telling vs. showing
“The boss knows how it is done; the leader shows how.”
8. On leading from the front
“The boss says ‘Go’; the leader says ‘Let’s go’.”
9. On the customer
“The customer is always right.”
10. On what matters most
“Give the lady what she wants.”
Which Selfridge quote strikes a chord with you? Let us know in the comments — and if you’re feeling inspired, why not pay a visit to Selfridges yourself?
The KPBS series is excellent. Like a lot of people I also enjoy “Doc Martin and Sherlock”.
What’s going on with the Brits and these run away hits?
Bloody well done!