I felt that the Selfridges demo was a big disappointment. Although there was extra security at the doors, I don't think the demo affected their sales by much, and if at any time there really were 200 demonstrators (as reported in an earlier post), this was for a short period only.

When I arrived with a friend at around one, there were thirty or so protestors outside. We went in without any problem, and saw very little in the way of actions. At one point, a demonstrator with a flag got in to the front of the shop and was shouting slogans, but was very soon evicted.

I kept noticing a bad smell in the areas I'd just been to :), but I've got to say, stink bombs aren't as good as they used to be - the smell dissipates far too quickly.

We went outside for a sarnie about 2.30 and the only protest outside was a small group around the samba band, sporting a huge "Globalise Resistance" banner and very little by way of info about Selfridges and Israeli goods - the samba band were great though.

We went back inside to the food hall and I got a basket full of products including the wine and halva at the centre of the controversy, as well as quite a few items of cold foods like cheese, and prepared foods from various deli counters. When the basket had been rung through (more than £70 worth), I pointed out the halva was made in the occupied territories in Industrial Zones, and said I refused to pay for the goods. I walked off quickly without further problem.

Leaving at the front of the shop, all protest seemed to be over, and I asked a copper where the samba band had gone - he told me that someone had been arrested and that the band had gone up to Marelybone Police Station.

Sorry guys, but I think the initial Selfridges report was a bit rose-tinted, and I was extremely dissappointed both by the turn-out and by the minimal effect it had on Selfridge's ability to trade and even on informing shoppers about Selfridge's behaviour and the reasons for the protest.

As they are still stocking these goods without any suggestion that they are prepared to change their policy, I think as many people as possible should go there as often as possible to make legitimate peaceful protest. The till protest is very effective, especially if you order deli items that cannot be simply replaced on the shelf. If the protest is kept up relentlessly, maybe we can persuade them.