Harriet Samuel facts for kids

Harriet Samuel (born Wolf) (8 March 1836 – 6 February 1908) was an English businesswoman. She is famous for starting H. Samuel, which became one of the United Kingdom's most well-known jewelry store chains.

Life and Business

Harriet Wolf was born in London on March 8, 1836. Her parents were Schreiner Wolf and Matida.

Harriet married Walter Samuel. They had four children together: Evelyn, Arthur, Florence, and Edgar.

When her husband Walter died, Harriet took over his family's business. It was a clock and watch-making shop in Liverpool. She decided to move the business to Manchester.

In Manchester, Harriet and her son Edgar worked together. Edgar managed the shops where customers could buy items directly. Harriet focused on the mail order part of the business. This meant selling products to people through the mail.

The very first H. Samuel shop opened in Preston in 1890. Over time, the business grew a lot. It became one of Britain's most popular jewelry retailers.

After Harriet Samuel passed away, the main office of H. Samuel moved to Birmingham. Today, H. Samuel still has over 300 stores across the UK.

Harriet Samuel died on February 6, 1908. She is buried at the Willesden Jewish Cemetery.