Case Studies

Gucci

Business Challenges

  • Flagship store needed state-of-the-art communications, while maintaining architectural integrity of new design
  • Pervasive wireless throughout the store needed to provide uninterrupted coverage in order to conduct transactions and inventory checks
  • Security was an essential requirement, as the POS system needed to be encrypted and Payment Card Industry (PCI)-compliant
  • Connectivity back to New Jersey data center

When opening the store that was to be the crown jewel of its brand and retail empire, Gucci would settle for nothing but the best in its location, architecture, or customer experience. And just as the company remains a visionary in the fashion industry, Gucci envisioned its flagship store as redefining the retail experience – which meant beautifully blending aesthetics and communications. Instead of using traditional cash registers, Gucci sales associates and personal shoppers would conduct transactions on handheld devices connected to a mobile point-of-sale (POS) system. They would also use a wireless voice solution to communicate with backroom staff for inventory checks. This meant the store needed a pervasive wireless environment that provided uninterrupted coverage – challenging in highly populated areas like Manhattan that has significant radio frequency (RF) “bleed” and interference. Additionally, the wireless access points needed to be concealed to keep with the store’s contemporary style and luxury brand experience. Further, as financial and personal information would be transmitted wirelessly, the network needed to be both secure and Payment Card Industry (PCI)-compliant. Gucci also required fault-tolerant connectivity back to its New Jersey data center so the company would remain protected from any network outages.

Axispoint Solution

  • Mobility Design Consulting methodology used predictive RF design to engineer an optimal network
  • Cisco Catalyst switches provided a solid foundationa for the network
  • Redundant network is built for speed, security, and is connect to Gucci's Data Center
  • Lightweight wireless architecture provides a centrally managed wireless solution that supports point-of-sale appliances that are fully compliant with PCI (Payment Card Industry) standards

Gucci turned to New York, New York-headquartered Axispoint, Inc., to implement a robust, secure Cisco wireless solution to satisfy the store’s specific technology requirements. The Cisco Silver Certified Partner with locations in the United States and United Kingdom – holds several advanced Cisco specializations in advanced technologies including Wireless LAN, Wireless Mesh, Unified Communications, Routing and Switching, and Security. Additionally, Axispoint has significant experience executing similar wireless POS solutions – making it a strong fit for Gucci. Axispoint began the implementation with its Mobility Design Consulting methodology, using predictive RF design to determine optimal placement for access points and working with architects to ensure seamless coverage. Once the building was constructed, Axispoint installed Cisco Catalyst switches to provide a solid foundation for Gucci’s wireless network. To connect Gucci’s handheld devices and its wireless voice solution to the network, Axispoint installed a leading-edge Cisco wireless lightweight architecture, which provides an integrated and centrally managed wireless solution. Finally, Axispoint secured the wireless environment with the Cisco’s security solution, and a dedicated appliance for network access policy control that helps Gucci comply with regulatory and corporate requirements.

Business Value

  • Sales associates are able to serve customers in real time
  • Transactions are completed on the floor, minimizing wait time and improving the customer experience
  • Fully redundant and fault tolerant network minimizes network outages and security breaches
  • Scalable network design can grow with future network demands

    • “We wanted a POS system that wouldn’t take up floor space while adding to our brand and further establishing us as a leader in customer satisfaction,” says Carlo Pochintesta, vice president, MIS, Gucci. “Our new solution has done just that. Sales associates are able to better and more quickly answer customer questions without leaving the customer, and transactions are completed instantly without having to wait in line, further improving the customer experience."

“The solution has been flawless technically and has absolutely met our expectations. Axispoint has been knowledgeable and professional from design through implementation and ongoing support. We’ll continue partnering with them as new opportunities present themselves.”

-Carlo Pochintesta, Vice President, MIS, Gucci