USM and Symbol Audio Transform London Store into a 'Record Shop' for Design Festival

Swiss furniture manufacturer USM has reimagined its London showroom as a temporary "Record Shop" for the duration of the London Design Festival, an annual event that celebrates design innovation and creativity across the city. This immersive installation, located in USM's Marylebone flagship store, runs until Sunday, September 20, and serves as a vibrant testament to the harmonious relationship between high-quality furniture design and the world of music. The "USM Record Store" is a direct extension of USM's ongoing collaboration with Symbol Audio, a company known for its premium audio equipment and furniture integration. This partnership, first unveiled in 2024, aims to bridge the gap between functional, modular furniture and sophisticated sound systems.

Within the transformed space, visitors can explore a curated selection of pieces from the USM x Symbol Audio collection. These include elegantly designed record stands, a functional DJ booth, and bespoke vinyl crates, all seamlessly integrated into USM's iconic Haller modular furniture system. This system, a hallmark of USM since its inception in the 1960s, is renowned for its adaptability, durability, and timeless aesthetic, allowing for endless configurations to suit diverse needs and spaces. The collaboration leverages USM's established expertise in creating versatile storage and display solutions, enhancing them with Symbol Audio's audio engineering prowess.

Walker Tovin, Symbol Audio's brand director, previously lauded USM's "incredible product" and "clarity of vision for the world of furniture," highlighting the "exciting privilege" of working with USM's "legendary catalog of components." This sentiment underscores the mutual respect and shared design philosophy that underpins the collaboration. The London installation also features the UK premiere of new pieces from the collection, which were initially launched in the United States earlier this year. A key highlight among these new additions is the "Speaker Module," meticulously engineered to integrate flawlessly with the broader USM system, offering a cohesive audio-visual experience.

The "USM Record Store" functions as a genuine record shop, meticulously curated in partnership with The Vinyl Factory, a respected name in the music and art scene. This collaboration allows visitors to browse an extensive collection of both new and vintage vinyl records. Complementing the auditory experience, a bespoke USM coffee bar, serving artisanal coffee from local roaster Origin, provides a welcoming space for patrons to relax and engage with the exhibition. The "USM Record Store" is recognized as a must-see attraction during the London Design Festival 2026, drawing attention to the intersection of design, music, and lifestyle. The event is further enriched by a program of talks and performances designed to delve deeper into the cultural connections between design and sound, reinforcing USM's commitment to creating inspiring and functional environments.