Predator Mohamed Fayed had sex with Harrods staff or sex workers every day at 4pm – and even gave it a code name

By Ashley Armstrong, Business Editor

HARRODS has survived world wars, two bombings and a fire, but now the company’s fortunes appear to be tarnished forever.

There are concerns that wealthy shoppers will not want to be seen carrying the eye-catching green and gold bags after the upmarket store admitted staff were not protected from predator Mohamed Fayed.

Retail consultant Mary Portas told The Sun: “The rumours were widespread and he was a horror. I hope the store doesn’t suffer as a result, but those who surrounded and suppressed this will be held to account.”

Harrods is struggling to draw a line under its former owner, as echoes of Fayed can be found throughout the store.

Its gaudy Egyptian escalator, opened in 1997, still dominates the Knightsbridge department store from the ground floor to the fifth floor.

Former Fayed lieutenant Michael Ward has been chief executive since 2005, five years before his boss sold the company to the Qatari royal family for £1.5bn.

Despite his sincere apologies to the staff, it is understandable that the Qataris want a different face.

This month’s accounts show the Qataris paid themselves a £180m dividend last year despite a 35 per cent drop in profits to £111.5m due to changes to pensions.

The store’s appeal is evident from the fact that turnover has increased by 8.2 percent to £1 billion over the past year, while other luxury stores, such as Harvey Nichols, have struggled.