Bang & Olufsen — Local services in Cincinnati

An Unwelcome Visit: My Encounter with Bang & Olufsen in Cincinnati

Bang & Olufsen is known for its sleek, high-end audio equipment, with some of the world’s most luxurious speakers gracing living rooms and media centers of audiophiles who have no issue spending upwards of $20,000. Naturally, when I found myself in Cincinnati, I felt a wave of nostalgia, having visited this location years ago. I decided to stop by the Bang & Olufsen store for old times' sake, eager to see the latest offerings and perhaps inquire about making a purchase.

But what began as a simple, nostalgic visit quickly turned into one of the most unwelcoming experiences I’ve had with a luxury brand.

As I approached the store, I stood outside for a moment to finish my smoke break, taking in the elegant displays through the large windows. I could see the store owner inside, casually listening to music on the very speakers I was interested in. I shifted to another part of the window to get a glimpse of more products, trying to mentally prepare for what I assumed would be a sales pitch.

It was then that I noticed a sign on the door: “Beware of Guard Dog.” Now, I’ve seen warning signs like this before in various shops, and they’re usually more bark than bite. But as I was about to find out, this one was all bark—and plenty of bite too.

Suddenly, from behind the glass, a massive black dog, easily 100 pounds, charged toward me. Its aggressive barking startled me, and it seemed determined to break through the window to get to me. Upon closer inspection, I saw the glass was covered in nose prints and scratches, a telltale sign this wasn’t the first time this had happened. I began to question whether this was the right place for anyone to do business.

Still, despite the intimidation from this so-called "guard dog," I decided to give it a go and see if I could enter the store. Surely the owner, who was now standing at the door, would recognize my interest and welcome a potential customer. But as I motioned to ask if I could come in, he simply shook his head no, not even offering a single word in response.

It wasn’t the dog that put me off in the end—it was the dismissiveness of the owner himself. For a brand that prides itself on exclusivity and high-end customer service, the entire interaction felt cold and elitist. I left without another word, bewildered by how this company can charge tens of thousands of dollars for their products while driving away potential customers with such a bizarre and hostile reception.

It makes you wonder: if this is the experience they offer before a sale, what must it be like to deal with them afterward?

Ultimately, this visit left me questioning whether I could ever support a business that seems to care so little for its customers. If you’re a millennial like me, used to a customer experience that is engaging, transparent, and, frankly, humane, Bang & Olufsen may...

As the owner of this Bang&Olufsen store, of which i am also a client, I am always ready to help all clients, even though they may not have purchased from me. In addition, if they have, we are sometimes not privy to product changes or innovations unless told by the company.

So when a client comes in to complain to my store about a product purchased online, for example, all i can do is be polite and help, but cannot give them a new one from my personal inventory if they have not bought directly from me. They are directed (or guided if at the store) to go to the website or given a number for customer support.

In addition, when a client who has purchased from me complains that the product he bought has been upgraded, I cannot help since I did not know it would be changed by the company that year. It's like a car buyer complaining to the dealership that his model has new upgrades and he wants to return the old one he purchased at a good price months before. Thats called a trade in, not an excuse for an exchange.

I am happy to be of service to all our clients, but find it rather disappointing when comments are unfairly posted without any regard for my company or the chance to rebut them. As teachers say, we may have hundreds of wonderful children in the tree. Why is it we always reminded of the worst...

If you’re looking for a traditional retail experience—fluorescence, salespeople, warehouse full of inventory—please keep walking. B&O on 4th st downtown Cincinnati is not for the masses. It’s a post-modern collector’s enclave masquerading as a storefront, where the line between gallery and temple to sonic perfection is deliberately blurred. Perhaps for other reasons, but to be honest, I dont really care, and neither should you.

And of course, "Beware of Dog"!?!? Truly! That sign isn’t just for show— it’s definitely part of the ambiance. But really a friendly pup once you meet her/him (I can’t remember at this point, sorry guys).

If you’re intimidated by minimalist concrete, geometric furnishings, ambient silence, and a four-legged bouncer with better taste than most humans, you’re probably not the target demographic. Of course, you knew that already.

For me, about three years ago I walked in and sometime later, walked out with the best (Beoplay Portal) Headphones I've ever owned. Throw in some free gifts and friendly conversation and you got a great place to shop without feeling like it. I liked this place, not for frequent shopping trips, obviously, but I do plan to return soon for a pair of the Beocom Ex buds now that I'm working...