By Sarah Knight
Taking a more opened approach to one of America’s favorite pastimes, The Shops at La Cantera shies away from the claustrophobic indoor mall scene and adds a breath of fresh air to shopping.
Located in the northwest corridor of San Antonio, this outdoor retail center features upscale shops, tasty restaurants, beautiful architecture and landscaping and dynamic music – courtesy of Klipsch – to create a total sensory experience full of convenience for its customers.
When visiting this wonderfully unique destination, walking shoes are a must because its more than 150 retailers and eateries, which include Neiman Marcus, Ann Taylor, Ralph Lauren, Tiffany & Co., P.F Chang’s China Bistro, Kona Grill and Bravo Cucina Italiana, are sprinkled across 154 acres.
Over 250 Klipsch CA-525T and CA-650T full-range, 70-volt commercial loudspeakers are also harmoniously spread throughout the complex, delivering lively and engaging music that adds spring to everyone’s step.
Muzak was hired by the La Cantera property owners to design this outdoor sound system, which is zoned into four separate listening areas. For example, while light piano and guitar music plays near the upscale stores, modern music fills the space that attracts younger audiences.
Linda Rasch, account executive for Muzak, took great care in orchestrating the custom music programs and Klipsch speakers she recommended for General Growth Properties because the way a shopping environment sounds has a critical impact on the customer’s overall mood. Rasch said that with this project, because it required a seamless changeover from one listening zone to the next, it was key to choose speakers that provided both flexibility and controlled directivity on top of great sound.
“I get so many compliments on how well the Klipsch speakers transition from one music zone to the next. People know the music is changing but the amazing directivity of these speakers keep them from competing with each other,” said Rasch. “Klipsch was definitely a perfect fit for this shopping center. They are, by far, the best full-range speakers I’ve heard.”
According to Tom Morris, mall operator for General Growth Properties, unlike most shopping centers where music is either too soft or too loud, The Shops at La Cantera provides music to really enhance the experience. “Music brings you into mode and if you have to strain to hear it or block it out, it is no longer an experience,” he said. “To me, clarity is what feeds the music experience and Klipsch speakers are great at delivering it.”
Morris also said that his company is so pleased with the results that a corporate memo was distributed to its over 200 properties requesting sound system evaluations. When asked if he would use Klipsch again, his response, “Yes, most definitely.”
More than just a retail outlet, The Shops at La Cantera brings new vitality and sophistication to shopping. With its unprecedented retail and dining options, the center perfectly accommodates the personal needs of an increasingly put-upon consumer. So next time you are in South Texas, be sure to indulge.