In London, 1908, Agnes Tower, who works at Gamages department store, finds her life about to change following an encounter with Harry Gordon Selfridge. He is finalising his great plans for the biggest and finest department store the world has ever seen in Oxford Street. His family also show up in London from Chicago. Word about the impending store opening begins to spread around London, and Agnes approaches Harry for a job. He remembers her, and agrees to give her a job. Opening day is a great success, attracting huge crowds but the takings are not brilliant.

The store has now been open for a few months and the displays are still as seductive as on opening day, and the staff are poised for action. The only thing the store is missing though is customers. Harry is confident though on the outside but privately he is worried. He goes to the country with Frank, where they wait in a field and then a flying machine emerges from the clouds and flies overheard. Harry manages to secures it for a grand exhibition in store.

Harry decides to set up a beauty counter near the front entrance to sell perfume and make-up, to give the store a boost - but some of the staff are not convinced this is such a good idea. Meanwhile, Victor is still trying to woo Agnes, who appears to be more interested in Henri, and Lady Mae reveals the truth to Rose about Mr Selfridge's partnership with Ellen Love.

The store's Head of Fashion Miss Bunting is caught stealing silks and lace from the shop floor, and Harry fires her on the spot. Agnes and George find themselves being hounded by a drunken Reg. Ellen is working herself up trying to think why Harry hasn't been responding to her letters. Harry invites Rose and Rosalie to come with him to Lady Mae's to see a private performance of the much-celebrated Russian ballerina, Anna Pavola. After Harry meets Anna he invites her to a private tour of the store and she agrees, which is great coup for him.

Harry learns that Agnes has handed in her notice because her father has shamed her at work. Beatrice sees Roddy and Rose sharing a kiss after he gives her a painting. Rose attempts to convince her daughter to keep quiet about what she had seen, and then tells Roddy that she can't see him again. Harry surprises Agnes when he shows up to see her and tells her that he can't accept her resignation.

Harry is left unconscious after the car accident and as his family gathers by his bedside, the news arrives that Mrs Grove is dead - something which leaves Miss Mardle confused. Meanwhile, a suffragette demonstration in the area sees all the store's staff pulling together, and as Victor and Lady Mae conduct their secret affair, Agnes and Henri's friendship continues to grow.

Author and spiritualist Arthur Conan Doyle is in Selfridges for a Sherlock Holmes book signing when he persuades Harry to hold a seance in the store - and the results of the gathering force the retail magnate to have a long-overdue heart-to-heart with Lois. Meanwhile, Agnes is transferred to women's fashion, Doris resolves to help an old friend, Miss Mardle is still agonising over Mr Grove, and Kitty has a secret admirer.

Harry and Rose are getting ready to host a dinner in honour of friends Frank and Jennie Woolworth. Frank is a fellow American retail tycoon and founder of the famous High Street chain. A Woolworth's store is about to open in Brixton, and when Frank thinks of a possible West End branch, Harry's feathers soon become ruffled. Lady Mae wants to introduce young Rosalie to some eligible young Society men. Kitty and Doris vie for the vacant position of Senior Assistant in Accessories and are interviewed by Mr Grove. Ellen Love makes a surprise visit to the Palm Court, with Tony Travers on her arm. Victor has a proposition for Lady Mae.

Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton arrives to give a lecture at the store. On the same day, the underground is shutdown when a body is discovered on the tracks, resulting in the late arrival of several employees. The identity of the body sends a wave a shock throughout the store. Meanwhile, Frank Edwards is disappointed when he needs a favor, and Roddy Temple's presence continues to cause problems.

Lady Mae arranges an after hours shopping spree for King Edward VII. To thank Harry, the King invites the Selfridges to the opening of Ellen Love's new play, much to Rose's dismay. The Selfridges and Lady Mae discover the play is a satire aimed at ridiculing them, and scripted by an embittered Frank Edwards. Ashamed and humiliated, Rose takes the children back to America. Meanwhile, wedding bells will soon be ringing for two of Selfridges' own.