Retail Store Lighting for the Best Shopping Experience

To create a successful shopping experience, one of the most important aspects to keep in mind is lighting. The right retail store lighting can create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages customers to spend more time browsing and thus generate more sales, while poor lighting can have the opposite effect. 

Types of Retail Store Lighting

Retail store lighting can be categorized in the following ways: natural, ambient, accent, and task lighting. 

  1. Natural lighting refers to the use of sunlight to illuminate a space. Sunlight mostly affects store entrances and display windows as they are closest to it. These two areas are also important because they are seen from the street, and are used to draw customers in.
  2. Ambient lighting provides overall illumination for a space and sets the tone for the shopping experience. 
  3. Accent lighting is used to highlight specific areas or products in a store.
  4. Task lighting is used to provide focused illumination for specific tasks, such as reading product labels or trying on clothes.

Choosing the Right Lighting for Retail Stores

The first thing to consider when choosing the right lighting for your store is the type of merchandise you sell. For example, if you sell high-end jewelry or designer clothing, you may want to use accent lighting to highlight or spotlight these products and create a sense of luxury. You also may consider color enhancements in your light to make merchandise really pop! On the other hand, if you sell items such as electronics or household supplies, you may want to focus on ambient lighting that provides even illumination throughout the store.

Another factor to consider is the mood you want to create in your store. If you want to create a warm and home-like atmosphere, you may want to use warmer color temperatures for your lighting. Cooler color temperatures, on the contrary, can create a more modern and industrial feel.

Retail Lighting Placement for Proper Aiming

Once you’ve chosen the right type of lighting for your store, start thinking about their placement. Accent lighting, for example, should be used to highlight specific areas or products, such as a jewelry display or a new product launch. Task lighting should be placed strategically to help customers complete specific tasks, such as trying on clothes or reading product labels.

Creating a focal point with lighting is another effective way to draw customers in and create a sense of interest and excitement. This could be a product display or a unique architectural feature in your store.

lighting for retail

Lighting Fixtures for Retail Stores

There are several types of lighting fixtures that work well in retail stores. Track lighting is a popular choice for laying various types of light altogether, because it can be easily adjusted to highlight specific areas or products, and can be purchased in various color temperatures, outputs, and optics. Pendant lighting is another option that can add a touch of elegance to your store and be used as task or ambient lighting, or even just a decorative element. Recessed lighting is a good choice for ambient lighting because it provides even illumination without drawing attention to the fixtures themselves.

When choosing lighting fixtures, you should consider the size and layout of your store. A small store may only need a few fixtures to provide adequate lighting, while a larger store may require a more complex lighting plan. A lighting designer would be a great resource to find the perfect balance!

Lighting Controls

In addition to choosing the right type of lighting and fixtures, using lighting controls can further enhance the shopping experience in your retail store. There are several benefits to using lighting controls, including energy savings, increased flexibility, and improved customer comfort.

By using dimmers, timers, or occupancy sensors, you can adjust the lighting levels in your store to match the changing needs of your customers. For example, you may want to dim the lights in the evening to create a more relaxed atmosphere or turn up the lighting levels during a busy period to make it easier for customers to see and navigate the store. This not only improves the shopping experience but can also save energy and reduce your utility bills.

When using lighting controls, take note of the layout of your store and the needs of your customers. For example, you may want to use occupancy sensors in areas where people may not spend a lot of time, such as restrooms or storage areas. Timers can be used to turn off lights in areas that are not regularly used, such as storage rooms or back offices.

Safety Lighting for Retail Parking Lots

In addition to lighting inside your retail store, don’t forget about the lighting in your parking lot. Good parking lot lighting is essential for the safety and security of your customers.

When choosing lighting for your parking lot, consider the coverage, visibility, and energy efficiency of the fixtures. Site and area lights are a popular choice because they are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and provide bright, even illumination.

In addition to choosing the right type of lighting, it’s important to consider the placement of the fixtures. Lights should be placed in areas that provide good coverage and visibility, such as near entrances, exits, and pedestrian walkways. It’s also important to ensure that the lighting is not too bright, which can create glare and reduce visibility.

Use Lighting to Ensure Customer Comfort

Lighting is an essential aspect of creating a pleasant shopping experience and thus a successful retail store. The right lighting can create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages customers to spend more time in your store, while poor lighting can make them feel uncomfortable and want to leave. By choosing the right type of lighting, fixtures, and controls, you can create a shopping experience that is comfortable, engaging, and energy-efficient. 

Read our blog post on best practices for retail lighting for more information, or reach out to us at Solais for a consultation.