Making Waves: Ron Jon Surf Shop Chooses Klipsch
By Sarah Knight
When looking for the perfect loudspeaker to deliver awesome sound waves, Ron Jon Surf Shop turned to Klipsch Audio Technologies. Muzak, the innovative commercial music subscription company and Klipsch business partner, designed the sound system at Ron Jon's newest store in Orlando, Florida, bringing Klipsch loudspeakers into the oceanfront world of sun, surf and sand.
Muzak Sales Leader David Bouckhuyt said Muzak takes great care in orchestrating custom music programs for each client because the way a shopping environment sounds has a critical impact on the overall mood or vibe of the store.
"The Klipsch sound experience is perfect for the legendary Ron Jon Surf Shop because they support a high-energy, rock 'n' roll retail environment," said Bouckhuyt.
Bouckhuyt recommended that Ron Jon use Klipsch loudspeakers for their latest Orlando store from the very beginning. He said the company's executives agreed that Klipsch delivered the type of shopping experience they were looking for after an in-store product demonstration.
"I am a Klipsch owner myself and can personally verify the high-performance sound they deliver. Once Muzak began the partnership with Klipsch, I knew right away who would be the best loudspeaker choice for Ron Jon," said Bouckhuyt.
According to Michele Passamonte, director of retail operations for Ron Jon Surf Shop, the company is quite pleased with the sound presentation at its new Orlando store.
"Ron Jon Surf Shop is a unique company, like no other, and shopping with us is always a fun experience. One of the great things about working with Muzak is that they provide Klipsch brand loudspeakers and really extend the shopping experience with high-quality sound and presentation," said Passamonte. "I think the music selection and sound quality in our new store is perfect for our customers and our brand image."
Inside the Polynesian and Tiki style surf shop, Muzak installed 17 Klipsch All-Purpose Series CA-8T indoor/outdoor loudspeakers with built-in 70/100 volt transformers, as well as two UL-certified Klipsch IC-6T in-ceiling loudspeakers with integrated back cans and 70/100 volt transformers.
Bouckhuyt explained that Klipsch speakers were ideal for this install because of the store's unusual angled design that does not allow room for any subwoofers. Because of the limited space, it was important that Muzak choose loudspeakers that have excellent bass response.
Muzak and Klipsch have made such a huge splash inside this surfer's paradise that future Ron Jon locations may be riding the same wave of audio architecture and Klipsch sound.
BACKSTORY:
In 1961, the original Ron Jon Surf Shop opened in Long Beach Island, New Jersey. The company founder, Ron DiMenna turned a surfing pastime into a passion by selling surfboards out of his tiny Jersey shore shop and supplied former customers with surfboards to open their own surf shops on the East Coast. When he headed to Florida two years later and opened the "One of a Kind" Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach, he sold even more. Today, the company has grown into a world famous surfing Mecca with the original store in New Jersey, three stores in Florida and one in California.
The newest store takes a step back to the early days of surfing. Located at Festival Bay in the heart of Orlando's famed International Drive, the new store encompasses around 15,000 square feet. The entrance on the mall side is like walking directly onto the beach with its stage-quality scenery, featuring a Ron Jon billboard and a vintage Woody car. The Polynesian and Tiki exterior is highlighted by the world's largest Ron Jon sign.