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NYC Luxury Department Store Improves Cell Signal Coverage with WilsonPro
Published September 13, 2016
Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes
When a luxury New York City department store announced in 2013 that its remodeled flagship location would open in Chelsea in its original 1923 location, shoppers rejoiced.
Store officials planned for a modernized version of the beloved Big Apple brand, with a contemporary design and updated technological amenities.
Yet, the age of the building and the modern materials used in the renovation created challenges when it came to achieving cellular coverage inside the building.
Amplifying cellular service on a tight deadline
The reconstruction project was already well underway when the store managers realized the problem. Sales associates would need to use cellular connections for on-the-spot customer checkout, and guests on all carriers would need the ability to call, text, and access data while inside the store.
The company’s IT manager called cell signal amplifier solution integrator, RepeaterStore, in search of an answer. The company had previously deployed similar solutions for two large fashion brands in the city, and had extensive experience in cellular signal amplification technology.
Still, to improve cell service on every carrier network while accommodating strict design specifications in the 1920’s building meant meeting a tight deadline, as well as overcoming challenges like:
- Structural elements. 90-year-old brick and concrete, as well as modern elements like marble and glass, easily obstructed the existing cell signals from entering the building.
- Few windows. Donor antennas had to be strategically placed in order to communicate with cell towers and pick up existing signals.
- Vast interior space. With a floorplan of 50,000 square feet over four floors, the size of the building presented a big challenge.
- Strict design requirements. The look and feel of the store was of paramount importance, and any antennas and wires needed to be completely hidden and compliant with the aesthetic requirements.
Preparing for installation
RepeaterStore installers knew they would need multiple repeaters designed for large commercial spaces in order to generate seamless cellular coverage and data transfer capability. They recommended a WilsonPro Repeater System for the job.
RepeaterStore had to fast-track the solution in order to meet the store’s approaching deadline. They deployed factory-trained technicians to inspect the four-story structure, then worked with the store’s IT team to develop a functional installation plan before working up a quote and rush-ordering the necessary equipment. Finally, RepeaterStore sent its own installation technicians to execute the installation.
From start to finish, the entire installation took only four days, and was completed just as the department store opened its doors to customers.
Achieving connectivity
By the time customers began flocking to the department store, they were able to send and receive mobile phone calls, texts, and access cellular data from every floor without a problem. Plus, the store clerks used their tablets to access the network for faster customer service and sales processing.
Despite all the challenges, the experienced installation team and WilsonPro’s powerful cell signal booster technology came to the rescue.
Visit WilsonPro.com to learn how customized WilsonPro solutions can help your enterprise stay connected and future ready.
