Harmonising history whilst captivating customers with Fortnum & Mason

The challenge: To retain the long established brand values of Fortnum & Mason and integrate a new sound system that would help captivate their customers, all within a listed historic building.

We had to be delicate when considering the existing period layout and décor because the design and deployment of this particular sound system offered several challenges. Although there were many logistical and physical constraints, we knew we had a great opportunity to stretch boundaries with our design.

The project commenced in the early summer of 2013 and our brief was to provide floor by floor sound coverage across all five trading floors, with each floor being unique in its requirements. With the entire system controlled from the sixth floor, overnight installation works were required from 9pm until 10am each working day.

When matching the brand with a manufacturer whose quality and heritage complimented that of Fortnum & Mason, we decided to opt for the Bose Pro specification because, for more than four decades, Bose have developed speakers and electronics to meet the demanding requirements of professional audio applications.

The design incorporates an existing set of external speakers and two wireless microphone systems, ensuring each floor and zone within the floor had its own music source and volume control selectors. This gave the music profiling team total flexibility on playlists and soundscape.

Throughout the project, we worked to retain all that was marvellous about the building’s Georgian past, yet created a 21st-century shopping experience by deploying a high quality sound system that was amplified by our wealth of musical understanding. From Bizet to Vitamin String Quartet, the customers are treated to traditional classical tracks with a modern twist.

As the sweeping spiral staircase soars through the four-storey building and light floods down from a central glass dome, shoppers receive both a visual and an aural treat. So the next time you visit Fortum & Mason, remember that the audio feast you’re sure to enjoy is part of the OnBrand experience.

“The sound lures customers’ attention to the merchandise
and makes the store a harmonious and creative experience,
while stunning the senses with artistic drama.”
– Paul Symes, Fortnum & Mason

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