Manor: first the security fogging, then the ceremonial opening
Headquartered in Basel, the department store chain is owned by the Maus Frères holding company in Geneva. With 61 stores in Switzerland, it ranks amongst the major players in the market. Manor has been putting its faith in Securiton's high quality products and services for years. In Bern, nothing is left to chance in terms of security: even the most persistent thieves are deprived of sight.
The Swiss department store chain's 61st outlet occupies a prominent position on Marktgasse. The six-floor store (including restaurant with roof terrace) is evidence of Manor rolling out a new retail concept and trialling novel sales channels in a bid to counter increasing online competition. In many respects, the Bern outlet is acting as a test laboratory for Switzerland's leading chain of department stores. The store's most striking feature is its size: at 4500 square metres, Manor Bern is only half the size of the outlets in, say, Zurich or Geneva: the company has done this by, for instance, dispensing with sports and stationery departments. What's more, sales staff are issued with tablet computers to make customers aware of the larger selection online. Manor is hoping to attract customers to central Bern on the one hand with exclusive beauty and garment brands that they won't find elsewhere in Switzerland, and on the other hand with its spacious Manora restaurant: boasting a roof terrace, this highlight offers unique views of Bern landmarks including the Federal Palace and Zytglogge clock tower.
Security in good hands
Manor has been relying on Securiton's expertise in retail video monitoring solutions for years. For the Bern outlet, however, the company commissioned Securiton with supplying an all-round safety and security package. Despite the extremely short conversion period of nine weeks, the premises were fitted with a fire alarm system covering the entire building, an intrusion alarm system, video monitoring and a security fogging system. In terms of fire protection, Manor relies on the ultra reliable SecuriFire 3000 fire alarm system, which, in Bern, comprises 390 MCD 573X multi-sensor smoke and heat detectors – intelligent devices capable of detecting smouldering, glowing and open fires with smoke development as well as rapid fire onset without smoke development. The system is complemented by a number of manual call points. Securiton video monitoring systems have already proved their worth in many other Manor stores. These comprise numerous dome cameras covering designated zones. Linked to an IPS VideoManager system, they enable the backstage Securitas shop detective to keep an eye on the retail floors and spot suspicious activity.
Blanketed in fog
Manor's Bern store also benefits from optimal intrusion protection. The SecuriSafe 800 intrusion alarm system provides effective deterrence against unwelcome visitors as well as instantaneous detection of attempted break-ins. Moreover, Manor has had those parts of the store where particularly valuable items are on display fitted with a Bandit security fogging system: within seconds of an intruder approaching a display case, a white, dry and impenetrable protective fog blankets the surrounding area. Intruders are forced to beat a hasty retreat – empty handed. The system was put through its paces with a test deployment shortly before the store opened.
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