Ardene Deploys Axis Network Cameras to Reduce Shrink in Its Fashion Accessory Retail Stores Throughout Canada

Business Wire, August 5, 2008

Network Surveillance System Will Also Be Used for Security, Merchandising, Marketing, Staffing

CHELMSFORD, Mass. -- Axis Communications, the global leader in the network video market, today announced that Ardene, Canada's premier fashion accessory retailer, is implementing its network cameras to reduce shrink in 350 stores across the country.

Ardene offers a wide selection of jewelry, hair accessories, footwear, clothing and more. Shoplifting is a serious concern because Ardene carries a vast amount of merchandise in each store, mostly fashion jewelry, that is often targeted for theft because of its small size. In addition, because of the high volume of daily transactions, thieves sometimes target the stores' debit PIN pads to collect client card information.

Axis partner Intercam Systems has worked with Ardene as a contractor/integrator installing the surveillance system. In addition to Axis network cameras, Intercam also installed Milestone Systems software. Through the software's custom viewing interface and a vast array of available options, Ardene has found it simple to view things in ways that address its particular requirements. This contrasts with the prior analog camera system that offered inferior performance and didn't meet Ardene's needs.

According to Roger Choucroun, systems engineer, Intercam, "The combination of both products offers Ardene a modern, efficient solution useful in today's national retail market. Installing and using Axis network cameras properly is a very powerful added value to any large company. We believe Ardene chose the right product to do the job."

"Because of our company's rapid growth rate, we urgently needed to put a security system in place in our stores to reduce shrink," said Angie Dalios, security & loss prevention manager, Ardene Holdings. "Our primary reason for video surveillance is to make the potential shoplifter think twice before stealing. In addition, the surveillance system offers employees a sense of security, knowing that if something were to happen in the store, it would be caught on tape and proper action would be taken. Beyond loss prevention and security, we plan to use the system for merchandising, marketing, staffing, etc. In fact, we believe that most departments can benefit from our surveillance system."

Currently Ardene has deployed more than 120 AXIS 215 PTZ Network Cameras, high-resolution units that offer 12x optical zoom capacity with both day and night functions. The network cameras are placed near cash registers and over sales floors. Because AXIS 215 PTZ network cameras pan, tilt and zoom on a constant level, they are able to provide excellent store coverage.

The decision to choose Axis' network cameras versus competitive analog options has provided Ardene with the capability to view video feeds from anywhere on the network. Ardene staff can monitor multiple cameras at numerous locations from remote sites. In addition, the digital picture quality is superior to analog and recordings are highly compressed for reduced storage.

"Ardene is truly a forward-thinking retailer and we are delighted it is using our network cameras for preventing thefts as well as other creative applications -- such as merchandising and marketing," said Robert Moore, regional manager, Canada, for Axis Communications, Inc. "We are pleased that its experience has been excellent so far and expect Ardene to find similar success as it completes a company-wide rollout."

About Axis Communications

Axis is an IT company offering network video solutions for professional installations. The company is the global market leader in network video, driving the ongoing shift from analog to digital video surveillance. Axis products and solutions focus on security surveillance and remote monitoring, and are based on innovative, open technology platforms.

Axis is a Swedish-based company, operating worldwide with offices in more than 20 countries and cooperating with partners in more than 70 countries. Founded in 1984, Axis is listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange, under the ticker AXIS. For more information about Axis, please visit our website at www.axis.com.