Westfield Retailers Set the Pace with Cutting Edge Communications Technologies
As well as representing a ‘who’s who’ of high street names, the new Westfield Shopping Mall in Stratford boasts cutting edge communications equipment that can help retailers cut costs, improve customer service, enhance safety and increase sales.
Edgware-based communications specialist Call Systems Technology (CST) has worked with many of the top brands involved at Westfield, including John Lewis, Mothercare, Dorothy Perkins and Burton. “Being a new build, Westfield is a great opportunity for businesses to implement new technologies that will increase staff effectiveness and enhance their business operations,” says Bruce McNair, sales director at CST.
“For example, the Westfield John Lewis store is the first in the UK using a new digital radio that offers multi channels and multi groups. It’s a very flexible solution that radically improves communications between business protection teams as well as among departments and departmental managers.”
In Mothercare, CST has supplied Quail Digital hands-free headsets. “The Quail Digital system improves communications between all team members, including stock room, floor staff and managers,” says Bruce McNair. “It delivers multiple benefits – for example, several hours can be saved each week because stock checking is easier; customer service is better and faster and the headsets also improve communication in security incidents, reducing shrinkage.”
The clarity of the HD signal ensures that messages get heard, no matter how noisy the store, and the lightweight, robust headset is unobtrusive, comfortable to wear and easy to use. The headset operates in VOX, talk-lock and push-to-talk modes as standard, so all users are constantly in touch.
Two retailers at Westfield are using CST call buttons in their changing rooms so customers can summon a member of staff. The buttons link directly to pagers worn by staff and means that service can be swift and discreet.
“This is a simple system with a big impact. It not only speeds up service but also reduces labour costs as changing room staff can serve elsewhere yet remain contactable by the changing room user. Additionally, it reduces customer queuing. Sales have also increased, because this reduces walk-aways,” says Bruce McNair.
Another innovative installation at one Westfield retailer is CST’s AlarmCall™, which is designed to solve the issue of false fire alarms that lead to unnecessary store evacuations. The system connects directly to the site’s fire alarm. In the event of an alarm triggering, AlarmCall immediately notifies the store’s fire team, via pagers, telling them the exact location of the relevant sensor. The team members then quickly check and, if the alarm is found to be false, can stand down the alarm before the automatic fire service call-out.
“False fire alarm evacuations can cost stores tens of thousands of pounds in lost sales, not to mention safety issues and inconvenience to customers. AlarmCall was developed in conjunction with Manchester Fire Service and provides a safe, sure solution,” notes McNair.
CST will be exhibiting at the Retail Technology Business Expo on 13 & 14 March in Earl’s Court, London.
For details freephone Call Systems Technology on 0800 389 5642 or 020 8381 1338, email the company at sales@call-systems.com or visit the CST website www.call-systems.com