Five Minutes with Alex Campos

This week, we caught up with Alex Campos, Personal Shopper at Harrods. When Alex arrived to talk to us, he was effortlessly juggling an armful of dresses and bags of Jimmy Choo heels, handpicked for a client arriving at noon in search of the perfect outfit as the mother of the bride. It was a fitting snapshot of the fast-paced, detail-driven world of luxury personal shopping, where every moment is about anticipation, precision, and an understanding of the client’s desires.

We sat down with Alex to talk about his journey, the art of Personal Shopping, and what it takes to succeed in this highly personalised role.

Q: Hi Alex, nice to meet you! Tell us about your journey, how did you find your way to Personal Shopping?
A: I’ve been at Harrods for nearly 10 years, working in different departments and roles. I started as an assistant floor manager, then became a brand manager, working across Menswear, Sports, Womenswear, and more. I’ve always loved being around people, so client interaction has always been a big part of my career. During the pandemic, I was in virtually clienteling, and that’s when I realised how much I enjoyed Personal Shopping. It was a natural transition, and even though I’ve officially been in the role for a year, I’ve been doing it since 2020.

Q:If you could describe your role in three words, what would they be and why?
A:Diverse, fast-paced, and fulfilling. It’s diverse because every client and request is different. Fast-paced because you’re constantly multitasking, sometimes I’ll have eight in-person clients in a week while managing messages from another 30 at any given time, so staying on top of everything is key. And fulfilling because I love meeting new people, building relationships, and making sure they have the best possible experience.

Q: What do you think sets Harrods apart when it comes to Personal Shopping?
A: Harrods is a place where people come to dream, and in Personal Shopping, we get to bring those dreams to life. No request is too big or too small, and it’s all about making sure every client leaves feeling special.

Q: Many people might not know the difference between Personal Shopping and Private Shopping. Could you explain how they differ?
A: Private Shopping is an invite-only service for our highest-tier clients who want a discreet and exclusive experience. Personal Shopping, on the other hand, is for both in-store and virtual clients who need more tailored guidance while shopping.

Q: Personal Shopping is often about building strong relationships. What’s the secret to maintaining long-term trust with your clients?
A: It’s all about understanding each client as an individual, building trust, and anticipating their needs. Even something as simple as remembering their favourite designers or knowing when to offer suggestions versus when to give them space makes a big difference. Many of my clients are virtual, both International and based in the UK, and even when I’m not available, I’ll always try to ensure someone from the team is there to help. It’s about being present for them as much as possible.

Q: How do you go above and beyond to make sure your clients are taken care of?
A: It’s about always being one step ahead. Reading the client’s mood, understanding what they need before they ask, and adapting to different personalities. No two clients are the same, so being flexible and intuitive is key.

Q: What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a Personal Shopper?
A: Be curious about different trends, brands, and products, but above all, build great relationships. This role is all about multitasking, time management, and relationship-building. You need to be quick, adaptable, and always ready to think outside the box.

Q: How has the role of a Personal Shopper evolved over the years, and where do you see it heading in the future?
A: Technology has changed the way people shop, and clients expect fast and seamless service. The human connection is still at the heart of what we do, but the behind-the-scenes tools we use to track preferences, anticipate needs, and personalise the experience are more important than ever. The future of Personal Shopping will be about balancing that personal touch with innovative digital solutions.

For Alex, Personal Shopping isn’t just about selecting the perfect outfit or finding an exclusive piece, it’s about creating a seamless and unforgettable experience for every client, every time. Without realising, our conversation has stretched on, and Alex’s next client, the mother of the bride, has just arrived, and he’s off to ensure she finds exactly what she’s looking for.