Williams-Sonoma announced today an exclusive partnership with London-based department store, Fortnum & Mason. A curated collection of more than 35 items, including Fortnum & Mason’s signature artisanal teas, preserves, biscuits and hampers, is now available at 100 Williams-Sonoma retail locations and at williams-sonoma.com. This exclusive partnership is Fortnum & Mason’s first foray into the U.S. with a national retailer.

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Fortnum & Mason Afternoon Tea Hamper Now Available at williams-sonoma.com. (Photo: Business Wire)

Fortnum & Mason Afternoon Tea Hamper Now Available at williams-sonoma.com. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Williams-Sonoma and Fortnum & Mason share a similar heritage of being world-class shopkeepers who are committed to providing customers with exclusive and compelling products that are of the highest quality,” said Janet Hayes, President of Williams-Sonoma. “We are honoured to bring one of London’s most iconic brands to our customers in the U.S.”

Founded in 1707 in Piccadilly, Fortnum & Mason is one of England’s oldest and most iconic retailers. The London-based department store is a top shopping destination, prized for its extravagant Food Halls which are filled with unique, high-quality food and gifts. Williams-Sonoma will be recreating this exceptional retail experience in 100 stores with a wide assortment of Fortnum’s famous teas, including the popular Royal Blend, and delicious tea accompaniments—Piccadilly biscuits, preserves and marmalades. Gift sets featuring several tea blends, as well as a trio of preserves, will also be available for purchase. Fortnum’s iconic hampers, which contain an array of their finest food products, will be available exclusively at williams-sonoma.com. During the holiday season, Fortnum’s traditional Christmas foods, such as Christmas Pudding, and their festive Christmas Crackers will be a part of the offering both in stores and online.

“We are thrilled to be working so closely with Williams-Sonoma to deliver a taste of Fortnum & Mason to the United States. As a business, discovery is in our genes, and we’re excited at the prospect of introducing Fortnum and our iconic and very British brand to customers across America,” said Darren Williams, International Director at Fortnum & Mason.

Fortnum & Mason became a brand of choice more than 300 years, as the exclusive supplier of tea for the British Royal Family. The brand has held royal warrants for the last 12 monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II and The Prince of Wales. Today they continue to be the authority on tea and the art of brewing the perfect cup, with their world-renowned Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at their flagship store. As a part of the partnership with Williams-Sonoma, Fortnum’s exceptional tea experts will be coming to the U.S. to offer exclusive tea education and tasting classes in four cities during the month of May.

Fortnum & Mason’s Event Schedule:

  • Williams-Sonoma Columbus Circle in New York, NY on Tuesday, May 24th at 12:00pm; To learn more and reserve a spot: http://bit.ly/1Wm1OCN
  • Williams-Sonoma Oak Brook in Oak Brook, IL on Wednesday, May 25th at 3:30pm; To learn more and reserve a spot: http://bit.ly/1NoWfjS
  • Williams-Sonoma Union Square in San Francisco, CA on Thursday, May 26th at 3:30pm; To learn more and reserve a spot: http://bit.ly/1XigRwf
  • Williams-Sonoma Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills, CA on Friday, May 27th at 3:30pm; To learn more and reserve a spot: http://bit.ly/279vvKB

Classes are open to the public and will be free of charge, with advance reservation recommended.

To view the entire Fortnum & Mason collection visit: www.williams-sonoma.com/shop/food/food-fortnum-and-mason/.

ABOUT WILLIAMS-SONOMA

Since its founding by Chuck Williams in 1956, the Williams-Sonoma brand has been bringing people together around food. A member of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM) portfolio of brands, Williams-Sonoma is a leading specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home, providing world-class service and an engaging customer experience. Products include cookware, cooks’ tools, cutlery, electrics, bakeware, food, tabletop and bar, outdoor, cookbooks, as well as furniture, lighting and decorative accessories. Each store has a professional demonstration kitchen for cooking classes and tastings conducted by expert culinary staff. Williams-Sonoma Cooking Schools, located in select locations in the U.S. and Australia, offer hands-on classes led by professional chefs. A comprehensive gift registry program for weddings and other special events is available in stores and online. On williams-sonoma.com and the Williams-Sonoma blog, Taste, customers can find recipes, tips, and techniques that help them create delicious meals and wonderful memories. Williams-Sonoma is also part of an active community on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and YouTube.

ABOUT FORTNUM & MASON

Since its foundation in Piccadilly in 1707 Fortnum & Mason has been at the heart of London life, supplying the very finest goods and services. From the Food Halls at street level to the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon on the Fourth Floor, it is filled with unique and exceptional food and gifts. Known for its exquisite and impeccable service and surroundings, the Fortnum’s experience is one of pleasure, where nothing is too much trouble. In November 2013 Fortnum & Mason opened its second UK store in 307 years at London’s St. Pancras International Station, and in March 2014, its first standalone store outside the UK in Dubai. Both stores offer an edit of Fortnum & Mason products, as well as all day dining options. On November 18 2014, Fortnum & Mason opened its first standalone airport store and Bar at Heathrow Terminal 5. www.fortnumandmason.com