Desert Island Stores: Sean Ghouse of Fortnum & Mason
In this latest instalment of our Desert Island Stores series, Glynn Davis chats with Sean Ghouse, director of retail UK at Fortnum & Mason.
The store you remember from childhood
Woolworths, without question. You could drift from pick‑and‑mix to toys to stationery in one go. Looking back, it taught me that a store doesn’t have to be luxury to be loved; it just has to feel alive and full of discovery especially as a boy coming up to [the time to be] asking for Christmas presents!
Most inspirational store to your career?
Harrods. It’s where my career in luxury retail management began, so it shaped me in ways I still carry today. The scale, the ambition, the sense of theatre — it showed me what happens when a store commits fully to creating wonder. It taught me the responsibility and privilege of working with heritage, and how powerful a truly immersive retail experience and customer service can be.
Most frequently used store?
Amazon. As a functional need it’s the reality of modern life. When you need something quickly and seamlessly, it delivers. It’s a constant reminder that convenience is a form of service, and that physical and digital retail aren’t competing; they’re completing each other.
The store you wished you’d created?
Hermès. The commitment to craft, patience, and integrity is extraordinary. Nothing feels rushed and nothing feels compromised. Every detail — from materials to service — reflects a quiet confidence. It’s a brand that proves that true luxury is built on mastery and consistency, not noise.
Your overall favourite store?
Fortnum & Mason. And not just because I work there. Fortnum’s is a rare blend of heritage and curiosity — a place that honours its past while constantly looking forward. The craft, the service, the sense of occasion. Whenever I mention what I do I am always told about the personal connection that people have had with Fortnum’s and how important it is to them in some way. It’s a privilege to help steward a brand that means so much to so many people and working with a team that is so supportive and fun to work with.
The store you’d like to take to the desert island?
Daunt Books. If I’m stranded, I want stories, ideas, and escape. Their travel section alone could keep me going for years. There’s something about the wood, the galleries, and the quiet hum of discovery that feels like the perfect companion for solitude. And if I’m allowed a smuggled extra, I’d bring Fortnum’s Food Hall — purely for survival, of course!
