Selfridges is stepping into the world of private members’ clubs, having just secured the green light to transform a portion of its London flagship into an exclusive venue. The department store, a familiar name across the U.K., plans to repurpose some of its fourth-floor office space into a luxe gathering spot complete with a terrace and private dining room, according to Bloomberg.
The move was approved by the Westminster City Council, granting Selfridges—owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Thailand’s Central Group—permission to use the Duke Street property, originally built in the 1930s, as a private club or high-end retail space for the next 50 years. It’s a strategic pivot, designed to cater to Selfridges’ most loyal clientele while maximizing the utility of its central real estate.
The forthcoming space aims to be more than just a traditional club. As Bloomberg notes, Selfridges envisions an “exclusive new shopping and social destination” targeted at its most valued customers. While the finer details remain under wraps, the project is clearly intended to fuse retail prestige with a members-only lifestyle experience.
London has seen a wave of similar ventures as luxury brands, developers, and hospitality players seek to capitalize on post-pandemic demand for private spaces. The shift toward remote work has only intensified the appeal of exclusive social environments, and members’ clubs now double as investments for properties in need of revitalization. Selfridges joins an expanding ecosystem that includes names like 67 Pall Mall, Arts Club Dubai, and ZZ’s Club, and even specialty locations such as members-only clubs for dogs.
The concept of members’ clubs may feel trendy now, but its roots trace back to 18th-century British coffee houses that evolved into exclusive venues for society’s elite. The trend later crossed the Atlantic, with places like the Knickerbocker Club serving America’s upper crust. After a mid-century lull, the format has surged back into fashion, with modern interpretations merging hospitality, social capital, and curated experiences. Just last year, Jean-Georges Vongerichten launched his own version with Chez Margaux.
As for what awaits behind the velvet rope at Selfridges’ new private floor, the full picture is still to come. But if its retail legacy is any indication, the department store isn’t entering this space quietly.
