Fortnum's U.S. launch is part of a multi-tiered U.S. expansion plan that
will satisfy the increasing demand for the quintessentially English brands
world renowned food and celebratory gifting products.
LOS ANGELES, April 28 /PRNewswire/ -- In a highly anticipated move,
Fortnum and Mason is now delivering the legendary English store's
experience to the brand's many American devotees and for all American
arbiters of the finest things.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080428/NYM010LOGO )
On April 28, 2008 Fortnum and Mason debuts their U.S. web site while
continuing to add product content and enhance the site -- both visually and
operationally -- with full completion slated for autumn 2008. In addition
to Fortnum's U.S. web site, the brands signature products will be available
to American consumers via multiple initiatives including a catalogue,
shop-in-shops and other retail formats currently under development.
The brand's expansion into the U.S. market follows the recent $50
million refurbishment of its famous London store and coincides with the
passing of the store's Tercentenary (yes that is correct, the 300th
birthday) -- celebrated with a private opening party with HRH The Prince of
Wales.
"Based on consumer demand, and the strength of Fortnum's brand, we are
very excited to be fulfilling the first phase of our U.S. development plan
with the launch of our web site," said Managing Director, Beverley
Aspinall. "Our online presence here will ensure Fortnum's signature
epicurean and celebratory offerings are now more readily available to U.S.
consumers nationwide. To deliver the Fortnum & Mason's experience to the
Americas, Will Stabler has been appointed the President and General Manager
for the U.S., Canadian and Caribbean markets."
Scouring the world to bring the finest foods to customers, the appeal
of Fortnum & Mason reaches across the globe and the store now has a
presence in Japan, Russia, Australia and Singapore. With prominent web
presence now in the U.S. -- and Fortnum's ability to deliver the products
nationwide -- admirers no longer have to be in London, England to get a
taste of the store.
Values and History
Mr. William Fortnum was a footman in the royal household of Queen Anne,
whose main task was to replenish spent candles each night. A legitimate
perk was to re-melt the stubs to create new candles to sell -- this proved
so successful that in 1707 Fortnum set up his own shop, in partnership with
his landlord, Hugh Mason. The royal connection stood them in good stead,
and the quality of their merchandise and reputation for trustworthiness
meant the business flourished.
Today Fortnum & Mason continues to be renowned not just for the quality
and depth of its product range and the consistency and professionalism of
the service but also for the unique environment and atmosphere which is
synonymous with the store.
The Very Best in Food, Entertainment & Celebrations
For three centuries Fortnum's has been committed to bringing the
world's best ingredients and foods to Piccadilly, from every continent ...
from spices, oils, vinegars, pickles and chutneys to rare teas, exotic
coffees and the finest biscuits. The expert buyers at Fortnum & Mason trawl
the world to find the best suppliers of everything the store sells, from
tea to china, from chocolate to perfume.
Fortnum's are the definitive purveyor of everything to do with 'tea'
which was the brand's first speciality. In 1707 they undertook the
revolutionary enterprise of making tea accessible at a time when it was
generally confined to the aristocracy. Three centuries later, Fortnum's
sells more tea than ever and boasts some of the rarest selections in the
world.
Whilst food remains the soul of Fortnum & Mason, its history and
reputation is also deeply rooted in providing the finest array of gifts
from the most refined to the most unusual. At Fortnum's you will be able to
find something that even the-person-who-has-it-all doesn't have ... from
kitchen linens to toiletries and toys. Fortnum & Mason offers the highest
quality hampers, gifts of genuine distinction, for all seasons.
They famously pioneered the classic food hamper, centuries ago, with
the purpose of providing the comforts of home to those on the front line
during the war.
To celebrate its Tercentenary, Fortnum & Mason has created a range of
special celebratory products -- in limited quantities, all packaged in
distinctive black, gold and eau de nil livery -- from classic and
speciality teas and coffees to 'Champagne Truffles' and 'Rose and Violet
Creams'.
U.S. Shoppers can now go to http://www.fortnumandmason-usa.com for all their
food and celebration needs.
About Fortnum & Mason USA, Inc.
Fortnum & Mason LLC formed Fortnum & Mason USA, Inc. to satisfy the
ever increasing demand for Fortnum's world renowned food and celebration
products on the other side of the pond, both for the consumer and corporate
gifting. Fortnum & Mason USA, Inc. 5 Edgemoor Road, Suite 210 Wilmington,
DE 19809 302-764-5200; URL: http://www.fortnumandmason-usa.com
About Fortnum & Mason plc
Fortnum & Mason is the 300 year old quintessentially English company
that specializes in food and service and has come to define the very
definition of Englishness; with a global presence. For over three
centuries, Fortnum & Mason has continued to bring the spirit of
entertainment and celebration alive. Fortnum & Mason plc, 181 Piccadilly,
London W1A 1ER, United Kingdom. +44 (0) 20 7734 8040; URL:
http://www.fortnumandmason.com.
|
