Understanding The Impact of Lighting In a Retail Store

Lighting is a key element in retail stores that's oftentimes greatly underestimated. Whether your store sells groceries, electronics, sporting goods, pet supplies, convenience items, jewelry, clothing or practically any other consumer product, it must feature appropriate lighting. Far too many owners overlook this critical aspect, resulting in a loss of sales and profits for their business. In this post, we're going to reveal the role lighting plays in a retail environment.

Illumination

The primary goal of lighting in a retail store is to illuminate the surrounding area. Without this critical element, customers and employees wouldn't be able to see. This is why it's important to choose high-wattage light fixtures that cover a large area. Opting for smaller fixtures will limit their effectiveness, forcing you to go back and add more later.

While you are designing and setting up lighting for your store, it's recommended that you use either compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) or light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. Although they cost slightly more than traditional incandescent bulbs, both of these alternatives last longer and use far less energy. LED and CFL bulbs are a smarter, more energy-efficient choice that's sure to pay off in the long run.

Emphasize Product

A lesser-known impact of lighting in retail stores is the additional visibility it places on product. When used correctly, lighting can emphasize certain products in your store, essentially drawing the customers' focus towards it. The trick in accomplishing this is to strategically place the fixtures in a manner so the light shines directly on the product. This is typically done with either flood lights or track lighting depending on the product's location. Don't be afraid to experiment with different forms of lighting to see which type works best in your retail store.

Define Traffic Paths

Lighting can also be used in retail stores to define traffic paths. By installing and focusing more lighting over walkways and aisles, your customers will have an easier time navigating through your store. Try to install either additional overhead fixtures or some type of supplemental lighting around the areas where customers walk in your store. This will have a direct impact by making your store easier to navigate, and it will also have an indirect impact of creating a more pleasing atmosphere. It's just one of the many ways you can use lighting to your advantage as a retail store owner.