design:retail - September/October 2019 - Trion6

Lighting for a Store Redesign

BY SPECIALTY LIGHTING

Retail Lighting
Historically, retailers have been limited to the types of
lighting and lighting capabilities they can use in a store
redesign project. Until recently, light fixtures had to be
designed around traditional light sources (e.g., incandes-
cent, halogen and fluorescent lamps). This limited not only
the style of the lighting fixtures, but also the function of
the lighting.
The past five years has brought about numerous changes
in the lighting industry. In an industry once dominated by
incandescent and fluorescent lighting, LED (light-emitting
diode) has quickly emerged as the preferred lighting
source of many lighting designers.
LEDs provide numerous benefits to the designers includ-
ing the flexibility to change lighting design without being
held to traditional light sources. This allows designers to
more easily create different moods within the store. LEDs
also enable designers to create a more inviting shopping
experience by not only having the capability to enhance
products, but also product colors and textures.

Project Management
The key to a successful lighting project is to have the
project specifics identified at the start of the project. Most
designers understand lighting needs to be changed in the
redesign, but they do not necessarily know what specific
lighting fixtures are needed. Lighting suppliers can assist

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with these decisions by understanding the environmental
needs of the light, the mood the retailer is trying to create,
what products and store fixtures need to be illuminated,
and how flexible the lighting has to be. Does the retailer
need the capability of adjusting the color temperature of
the light or the light levels to enhance a product or change
a mood within the store? This is especially important for
retailers who routinely change the content and location
of their product displays.

Success Metrics
ROI on lighting products is calculated in many different
ways. Cost for the product and installation is usually
included, as is life of the fixture and light source, and
product maintenance. Energy savings associated with
the use of new light fixtures is another key metric. Retailers
can measure ROI on replacement lighting projects in terms
of energy savings, often measured as wattage savings per
square foot and/or wattage savings per store. Customer
Satisfaction with the shopping experience is another key
metric. Traditional light sources (namely incandescent and
halogen) not only create added ambient heat within the
environment, but can be harsh on the eyes without proper
optics and reflectors LED fixtures, when designed correctly,
generate very little ambient heat. This not only makes
for better shopping experience, but helps to lower the
cost associated with operating the heating & air system.
Customer research can provide additional insight into the
effectiveness of the overall environment.
2017 Shop! ROI Standards: Store Redesign
2017 Shop! ROI Standards: Store Redesign
design:retail - September/October 2019

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