Widely recognized as the UK’s foremost authority on retail and brand communication, Mary Portas has a multitude of expertise; business woman, advertising executive, retail expert, Government adviser, broadcaster and consumer champion. The British media crowned her “Queen of Shops”.
Beginning her retail career in John Lewis, Harrods and Topshop, she joined Harvey Nichols, progressing to the Board as Creative Director in 1989. She was credited with leading its transformation into a world-renowned fashion store. In 1997 she launched her own agency, Yellowdoor (now called Portas) which has made its mark in the creative advertising landscape, producing category challenging campaigns and championing brand development for clients including Clarks, Louis Vuitton, Oasis, Swarovski, Dunhill, Boden, Thomas Pink, Patek Philippe and Westfield.
Books in order of publication:
Windows – the Art of Retail Display – 1999
How to Shop with Mary, Queen of Shops – 2007
Mary Portas, Shop Girl – 2015
Work Like A Woman – 2019
Rebuild – 2021
I Shop, Therefore I Am: The ’90s, Harvey Nicks, and Me – 2025
Oak Lawn Library Friends 