Harrods, the exclusive Knightsbridge store recently sold by Mohammed al-Fayed to Qatar Holdings for a sum of £1.5 billion, has proved a roaring success with customers at its new branch in Bangkok.
Sadly, I do not know where the store is located.
Evidence of its success, however, comes in the form of the number of extravagant-looking bags I have seen 'customers' carrying with them as I make my way hither and thither across the metropolis.
Why, just the other morning, as I travelled to work, a lady sittting next to me on the 539 had with her a rather splendid hardwearing PVC bag in burgundy, upon which, the company's name was emblazoned in gold.
Last week, I encountered another woman with an olive-coloured version, again with gold lettering, and the day before, I saw a college student with a pink Harrods bag decorated gaily with images of birthday cakes, donuts and teddy bears - an absolute delight!
The sightings of these and other exquisitely-designed bags shows how the Harrods name has spread across the world as a symbol of high-esteem and good taste, and owner, His Highness Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, - try saying that when you're pissed! - will be pleased that his brand has traversed international boundaries, and proved that its bags are highly-sought-after, and widely-faked everywhere.
