History
In 1831 Benjamin Harvey opened a linen shop in a terraced house on the corner of Knightsbridge and Sloane Street in London. The business passed on to Harvey's daughter on the understanding that she go into partnership with Colonel Nichols, selling Oriental carpets, silks, and luxury goods alongside the linens.
The existing Knightsbridge store, which was built by Higgs and Hill, was opened in 1880, with the rear section added in 1932.
In 1919 Harvey Nichols was bought by Debenhams, and in 1985 became part of the Burton Group. In 1991, the store was acquired by Dickson Concepts, an international retailer and distributor of branded luxury goods based in Hong Kong and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. In April 1996, Harvey Nichols obtained a full listing on the London Stock Exchange and for the next seven years, remained a listed company. 1996 also marks the year when Harvey Nichols opened their first store outside of London.
In February 2003 Harvey Nichols returned to private ownership. The store is now owned by the Hong Kong-based businessman Dickson Poon who has retail businesses in North America, Europe, Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.
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