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The history of Debenhams dates back to 1778, and today
it is one of the UK’s premier department stores in high-
end fashion and beauty retail. At the heart of its success
lies the ability to provide stress-free shopping in all 172
of its stores.
That personal touch
Working behind the scenes to keep everything
functioning is KONE, a partner for Debenhams since
1998. KONE is entrusted with the task of servicing and
modernizing the entire chain’s escalator, elevator and
back-of-store equipment under an on-going national
framework agreement in 2007.
“KONE understands how important the customer
shopping experience is to us and to them. Over the
years, we have formed a strong relationship built on trust
and dedication,” says a spokesperson for Debenhams.
Under the tailor-made agreement, KONE has appointed
a dedicated national account manager as a single point of
contact for Debenhams.
Anthony Brogan
spends at least
one day a week in person at the Debenhams main office
and at customer sites. Such regular face-to-face contact has
brought measurable benefits. Breakdowns have decreased
year-by-year and equipment availability has consistently
exceeded 99 percent over the past year.
“If a single elevator is out of service, it immediately
affects the store’s business. We go the extra mile to
provide immediate technical backup, information and
reports – they never even have to log on to our system,”
says Brogan.
Easy to be green
With a portfolio of over 1,500 units of equipment,
“something is always being modernized somewhere at
Debenhams,” says Brogan, whether due to altered legal
requirements or technology updates. Brogan is available
any time Debenhams needs support with planning,
engineering consultation or cost-efficiency analysis.
“My close ties with the customer enable me to explain
the options that best match their needs and what
benefits we offer.”
Eco-performance is one area in which Brogan provides
expert consultation. “I get together regularly with the
Debenhams Energy Manager to provide energy-efficiency
statistics and any information they require to support
their efforts to reduce emissions.”
All units replaced and modernized by KONE are equipped
with the latest energy-efficient technology to help
Debenhams reduce its carbon footprint and eliminate
energy inefficiencies. Soft-start units reduce power
consumption in 400 existing escalators and all new
elevators are equipped with regenerative drives returning
power to the grid.
“We understand our responsibility to environmental
sustainability and work hard with partners like KONE
to make sure our carbon footprint is reduced and our
eco targets are met. KONE has a history of innovation.
They continually develop ways of further reducing
environmental impact for their customers,” notes
Debenhams management.
Leading UK department store Debenhams relies on KONE to keep its transit equipment in working order. A trusted
partnership covering maintenance, modernization and new equipment guarantees a relaxing, one-stop shopping
experience for the thousands of customers that pass through its doors daily.