Supermarkets, malls beef up security

MUMBAI: In the aftermath of the terror attack, retail formats across the city have become more conscious about the security arrangements in hypermarkets, supermarkets and shopping malls which attract thousands of footfalls, particularly during the weekends. While most retailers believe that necessary preventive security measures are in place, some have called for a review of the security measures inside the stores.

The attack on the railway network reflects how vulnerable are crowded areas in the metropolis. Yogesh Samant, CEO, Inorbit Mall, Malad said that though there is a strong security system in place, efforts are always on to strengthen security within the mall. “The recent terror attacks have made us more vigilant about the need to constantly work on maintaining security within the mall,” said Mr Samant.

On the security measures at Inorbit mall which attracts an average of around 15,000 footfalls on weekdays, which reaches around 30,000 during weekends has elaborate security personnel who lookout for any suspicious bags and packages. Also, the mall has installed around 40 cameras last month to monitor the proceedings inside the complex, said Mr Samant.

Given the high number of footfalls, retailers like the Runwal group are not taking any chances and have decided to upgrade existing security measures at R-Mall in Mulund. “The number of footfalls on weekends sometimes touch 80,000 from an average of 20,000 footfalls in weekdays. “We are planning to put into place metal detectors at both entrances of R-Mall and also introduce bomb Mirrors to check cars that come in to the mall’s parking space, which can house as many as 800 cars at a time,” said Sandeep Runwal, director, the Runwal group.

He said that the new measures will be in addition to security personnel and CCTV monitoring of the retail space. Retailers like HyperCity, the hypermarket initiative of K Raheja are confident that existing preventive measures are in place to ensure security of shoppers within the store.

Hemant Taware, head, operations, HyperCity said aspects like electronic surveillance, baggage searches along with a comprehensive disaster management team is in place at HyperCity. “The current security set up is enough. In case there is a repeat of the terror attacks, then we may have to review it,” said Mr Taware.

While most retailers said that there is a constant need to review security within stores, enough care have to be taken to make it as un-intrusive as possible given the nature of the business which is dependent on huge footfalls. BS Nagesh, CEO, Shoppers Stop, said that retail formats have to cautious but not at the expense of the consumer. “I

t’s about leisure and entertainment and one cannot have security which is too obvious as it might make the shoppers conscious,” he said, adding that even as there is immediate review of the measures, formats like Shoppers Stop and HyperCity are now careful at important points like baggage and point of sales.

Ved Prakesh Arya, COO, Pantaloon retail said while measures like upgradation of electronic surveillance will take some time, necessary human intervention measures have been put in place at formats like Big Bazaar, Food Bazaar and Pantaloon across the city. “The security has been asked to be more observant and emphasis is more on frisking and checking baggage. Also the staff have been made aware of the need to be vigilant given the recent events,” said Mr Arya.