Latest news with #FortnumAndMason
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
UK's most iconic department store plots its first shops outside London after 318 years in business
THE UK's most iconic department store plots its first shops outside London after 318 years in business. The upmarket store currently has four UK stores that are all based in the capital. 2 2 Fortnum & Mason was established 318 years ago in 1707 and was founded by William Fortnum, a footman for Queen Anne, and Hugh Mason, his landlord. The pair started operating from a small store in St James Market and a spare room in Mason's house. The store quickly became known for its innovative and high-quality products, appealing to the tastes of the affluent and aristocratic clientele. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Fortnum & Mason expanded its offerings, becoming a purveyor of fine foods, wines, and spirits. Currently, Fortnum & Mason has stores in Piccadilly, St Pancras station, the Royal Exchange in Bank and in Heathrow Terminal. But now the upmarket department store is thinking about venturing outside of the capital. The retailer said earlier this year that it was no longer seen as a 'Christmas focused' business as shoppers were snapping up its luxury food products to 'stock their own larders' throughout the year. The retailer's chief executive Tom Athron told The Telegraph that he would be interested in having branches 'up the spine of the country'. He said the business would look at sites in a 'beautiful location' with 'beautiful architecture'. 'This isn't about ubiquity. But there are other locations across the country where we think that Fortnum could offer both retail and restaurants, where it would be relevant. The Viking Centre: Britain's first American-style mall faces demolition "And we're looking at those now,' Athron said. The news comes as the retailer says there is a surge in demand for its luxury teas, biscuits and jam. The store underwent a significant refurbishment in 2007, celebrating its 300th anniversary with a rejuvenated look that honoured its storied past. History of Fortnum & Mason Fortnum & Mason was established 318 years ago in 1707. It was founded by William Fortnum, a footman for Queen Anne, and Hugh Mason, his landlord. The pair started operating from a small store in St James Market and a spare room in Mason's house. The department store eventually set up shop at its current location at 181 Piccadilly. One of Fortnum & Mason's earliest claims to fame was its invention of the Scotch egg in 1738, a portable and filling snack ideal for travellers. The store quickly became known for its innovative and high-quality products, appealing to the tastes of the affluent and aristocratic clientele. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Fortnum & Mason expanded its offerings, becoming a purveyor of fine foods, wines, and spirits. It was also during this period that the store became renowned for its hampers, which were meticulously curated and became a staple of British festivities and picnics. These hampers were often sent to British troops during times of conflict, providing a comforting taste of home. By the Victorian era, Fortnum & Mason had firmly established itself as a symbol of British luxury. The store's association with the royal family was further cemented when it was granted its first Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria. This distinguished honour recognised Fortnum's as a supplier of goods to the royal household, a tradition that continues to this day. The 20th century saw Fortnum & Mason adapting to the changing times while maintaining its commitment to quality and tradition. During both World Wars, the store remained open, offering solace and a sense of continuity to Londoners. Post-war, the store further diversified its range, introducing new departments and expanding its international reach. In more recent years, Fortnum & Mason has continued to evolve, embracing modernity while preserving its heritage. The store underwent a significant refurbishment in 2007, celebrating its 300th anniversary with a rejuvenated look that honoured its storied past. Today, it offers a wide array of products, from gourmet foods and fine teas to exquisite homewares and beauty products. It offers a wide array of products, from gourmet foods and fine teas to exquisite homewares and beauty products. is set to open more shops. Earlier this year ASOS also revealed plans to relaunch a Topshop website. .
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Fortnum & Mason plots first UK stores outside London
Fortnum & Mason is plotting its first UK stores outside of London after a surge in customer demand for regular top-ups of luxury teas, biscuits and jam. Tom Athron, the chief of the luxury retailer, said he would be interested in opening stores 'up the spine of the country', adding: 'We do like the idea of stepping beyond Piccadilly [where it has its flagship store], and certainly stepping beyond London.' Fortnum & Mason currently only has four UK stores – including at St Pancras station, a 'tea salon' in London and Heathrow Terminal 5, as well as one site in Hong Kong. Opening outside London would mark the first time the Royal grocer has set up a permanent UK base away from the capital in its 318-year-history. Mr Athron did not say where a new Fortnums could open – but said he would look at sites in a 'beautiful location' with 'beautiful architecture'. He suggested Fortnum would probably consider opening one or two outposts, adding: 'This isn't about ubiquity. But there are other locations across the country where we think that Fortnum could offer both retail and restaurants, where it would be relevant. And we're looking at those now.' It comes as the retailer said it was no longer seen as a 'Christmas focused' business, with customers using Fortnum & Mason to 'stock their own larders' throughout the year. Fortnum & Mason earlier this month launched a new membership scheme – with those signing up to the 'Friends of Fortnum's' programme getting access to tickets for dining events as well as free delivery. Mr Athron said any new store away from London would 'remove the barriers' for the membership scheme and allow members to attend these events. Fortnum & Mason will also look at opportunities to open more airport stores, with Mr Athron saying: 'We would love the opportunity to have shops and restaurants in every terminal at Heathrow.' The plans come despite signs that households are slamming the brakes on spending, amid concerns over the economy. Figures from the British Retail Consortium last week suggested retail sales rose by just 1pc in the year to May. Mr Athron said Fortnum was not seeing a drop in demand. He said: 'What we tend to find is that when people become more judicious in the way that they spend their money, they switch out handbags and trainers for small luxuries they can take home – things like a really special jar of jam.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Fortnum & Mason plots first UK stores outside London
Fortnum & Mason is plotting its first UK stores outside of London after a surge in customer demand for regular top-ups of luxury teas, biscuits and jam. Tom Athron, the chief of the luxury retailer, said he would be interested in opening stores 'up the spine of the country', adding: 'We do like the idea of stepping beyond Piccadilly [where it has its flagship store], and certainly stepping beyond London.' Fortnum & Mason currently only has four UK stores – including at St Pancras station, a 'tea salon' in London and Heathrow Terminal 5, as well as one site in Hong Kong. Opening outside London would mark the first time the Royal grocer has set up a permanent UK base away from the capital in its 318-year-history. Mr Athron did not say where a new Fortnums could open – but said he would look at sites in a 'beautiful location' with 'beautiful architecture'. He suggested Fortnum would probably consider opening one or two outposts, adding: 'This isn't about ubiquity. But there are other locations across the country where we think that Fortnum could offer both retail and restaurants, where it would be relevant. And we're looking at those now.' It comes as the retailer said it was no longer seen as a 'Christmas focused' business, with customers using Fortnum & Mason to 'stock their own larders' throughout the year. Fortnum & Mason earlier this month launched a new membership scheme – with those signing up to the 'Friends of Fortnum's' programme getting access to tickets for dining events as well as free delivery. Mr Athron said any new store away from London would 'remove the barriers' for the membership scheme and allow members to attend these events. Fortnum & Mason will also look at opportunities to open more airport stores, with Mr Athron saying: 'We would love the opportunity to have shops and restaurants in every terminal at Heathrow.' The plans come despite signs that households are slamming the brakes on spending, amid concerns over the economy. Figures from the British Retail Consortium last week suggested retail sales rose by just 1pc in the year to May. Mr Athron said Fortnum was not seeing a drop in demand. He said: 'What we tend to find is that when people become more judicious in the way that they spend their money, they switch out handbags and trainers for small luxuries they can take home – things like a really special jar of jam.' Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Telegraph
6 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Fortnum & Mason plots first UK stores outside London
Fortnum & Mason is plotting its first UK stores outside of London after a surge in customer demand for regular top-ups of luxury teas, biscuits and jam. Tom Athron, the chief of the luxury retailer, said he would be interested in opening stores 'up the spine of the country', adding: 'We do like the idea of stepping beyond Piccadilly [where it has its flagship store], and certainly stepping beyond London.' Fortnum & Mason currently only has four UK stores – including at St Pancras station, a 'tea salon' in London and Heathrow Terminal 5, as well as one site in Hong Kong. Opening outside London would mark the first time the Royal grocer has set up a permanent UK base away from the capital in its 318-year-history. Mr Athron did not say where a new Fortnums could open – but said he would look at sites in a 'beautiful location' with 'beautiful architecture'. He suggested Fortnum would probably consider opening one or two outposts, adding: 'This isn't about ubiquity. But there are other locations across the country where we think that Fortnum could offer both retail and restaurants, where it would be relevant. And we're looking at those now.' It comes as the retailer said it was no longer seen as a 'Christmas focused' business, with customers using Fortnum & Mason to 'stock their own larders' throughout the year. Fortnum & Mason earlier this month launched a new membership scheme – with those signing up to the 'Friends of Fortnum's' programme getting access to tickets for dining events as well as free delivery. Mr Athron said any new store away from London would 'remove the barriers' for the membership scheme and allow members to attend these events. Fortnum & Mason will also look at opportunities to open more airport stores, with Mr Athron saying: 'We would love the opportunity to have shops and restaurants in every terminal at Heathrow.' The plans come despite signs that households are slamming the brakes on spending, amid concerns over the economy. Figures from the British Retail Consortium last week suggested retail sales rose by just 1pc in the year to May. Mr Athron said Fortnum was not seeing a drop in demand. He said: 'What we tend to find is that when people become more judicious in the way that they spend their money, they switch out handbags and trainers for small luxuries they can take home – things like a really special jar of jam.'
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Royal family's favourite wine merchant to open in Washington
Britain's oldest wine merchant has set its sights on America amid growing demand for luxury British brands across the Atlantic. Berry Brothers & Rudd is planning to open its first ever US store in Washington in the coming months. Founded in 1698, Berry Brothers & Rudd is known for its ties with the Royal household, having been the official wine supplier to the Royal family since the beginning of the reign of George III in 1760. It has offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo as well as London, but the opening of a store in the US capital would mark its first bricks-and-mortar expansion in the US. It comes amid rising interest in British heritage brands in America. Companies such as Fortnum & Mason have been expanding their presence stateside in a bid to tap into increasing appetite for authentic British goods. UK gunmaker Holland & Holland has credited a jump in its US sales from £425,000 to £2.1m last year to an influx of millionaires to Texas. It runs a gun room in Dallas. The company said at the time: 'There's always been a long standing appreciation for the brand in the US. Affluent Americans love the English aristocracy, Royal family and our links [with the Royal family]. That connection is a very romantic notion for a lot of affluent Americans.' It follows a deepening of ties between the Trump administration and Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Government. A meeting at the White House in February at which Sir Keir gave Mr Trump an invitation for a state visit from the King was widely hailed as a 'love-in', while the more recent signing of a trade deal between the US and UK was described as a 'fantastic, historic day' by Sir Keir – even though it still left many companies facing a 10pc tariff to export their products to the US. A spokesman for Berry Brothers & Rudd said: 'This marks a key milestone in our international growth and we look forward to serving a wider community of customers across the US.' Expansion comes as the British wine industry reels from a barrage of tax increases that the industry says has made the UK a less appealing market to do business in. Bosses are grappling with rising National Insurance contributions for employers and the incoming Extended Producer Responsibility packaging tax, as well as a shake up of alcohol taxation which has inflated administrative costs. A senior wine industry executive said: '[The Government is] genuinely killing our industry. It's not hyperbole, everyone's just in despair. Nobody can invest. Everyone's been driven to go and do business abroad now, because there's no point doing much here.' 'The fine wine business is beginning to move out of the UK.' the person added. The decision by Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, to raise employers' National Insurance (NI) contributions was one of several factors that Berry Brothers & Rudd blamed for a decision to cut around 30 of its 400 staff this year. Emma Fox, the chief executive, said at the time: 'Like many businesses, we are having to make some very difficult but necessary decisions in the face of extremely challenging global market conditions, as well as significant cost pressures, high inflation and recent increases in NI contributions.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
