Harrods 'float' plan an April Fool hoax

Mohamed Al-Fayed, the owner of Harrods, the London department store, yesterday appeared to be behind a bizarre April Fool hoax based on a suggestion he was about to "float" Harrods.

Newspapers received a fax purporting to be written on Harrods notepaper. Under the headline "Al Fayed reveals plan to 'float' Harrods", the fax said:

"Harrods Chairman, Mohamed Al Fayed, will tomorrow make an important announcement about his future plans for the world-famous store. The announcement is featured on the new version of alfayed.com which launches tomorrow, Monday 1 April 2002 at 00:01. It will include a first-come-first-served share option offer.

"The information may help those journalists who have speculated during the last few months as to the future direction of Harrods. The announcement will only be posted on the website until 12 noon on 1 April."

Journalists are asked to contact Loof Lirpa on the Harrods press office phone number. Callers hear a recorded message which points out Loof Lirpa has been spelt backwards – it spells April Fool.

While Mr Al Fayed is noted for his outlandish sense of humour, it was being suggested last night the hoax may be part of a sales stunt. His website is a platform for Mr Al Fayed's conspiracy theories.