Elie Tahari’s dream of transforming his fashion label into a lifestyle brand gained impetus with the opening of a 5,000 sq. ft. flagship store in a landmark building in East Hampton, New York. McCann Systems created the audio visual elements, including a cutting-edge sound system.
The project called for the highest quality, seamless sound coverage throughout the store’s two levels and basement area. The challenge was how to provide the best sound possible when surrounded by a two-story atrium with glass walls, glass ceiling and mirrors. Being glass does not absorb sound, a conventional acoustic installation would produce sound waves that bounce and echo off the glass surfaces.
To overcome these effects, McCann’s sound specialists chose not to locate the speakers throughout the two-story atrium, but rather to place them in a horseshoe arrangement in the ceiling. Twenty-eight IS52 Tannoy directional speakers, designed for installation under a staircase, were modified to fit in the ceiling. Each was strategically positioned to fire over a specific, limited area, assuring sound was evenly placed throughout the store. In addition, we placed sub-woofers, with tiny 3” inch grills, in the walls. Customer-conscious, the designers insisted on a Touch Screen Control on each floor to manage the sound. Each control features a courtesy button allowing the volume to be lowered. A preset automatically brings the sound back up at a later time. In the VIP area, flat panel screens, DVDs and the latest gaming systems relax shoppers during a break.
The result is “fashiontainment” where audio and video stimulate the senses and meld with the shopping experience. At Tahari, the sound is a high energy, techno mix that deliver an eclectic combination of feel-good club music throughout the store.
