LEDs have plenty of cost benefits, including saving energy and reducing maintenance needs, but they can also be driving forces in making sales. The right lighting in your retail store can make all the difference for customers. Follow these dos and don'ts of LED retail lighting to make sure your store gets it right.
The Dos
Consider Color Temperature and Color Rendering
Color temperature and color rendering both indicate how a customer will perceive your products. A low color temperature will emit a warmer, yellow light, whereas a high color temperature will emit natural or cool white light. Similarly, color rendering determines how accurately customers will see products. For example, under a low color rendering index, a blue sweater might look purple, while a higher index will accurately display the blue sweater as blue.
Think About Your Store
The color temperature and color rendering index you choose should align with your store. Does your store have a more relaxed feel, similar to a Hollister or high-end boutique? If so, warmer lighting might be a better choice. If you're looking to push sales in a large retail space, bright white light is a better option.
Get Creative
You should be using your LED lighting to draw people in, rather than just using it as a general light source. Of course, LED commercial tube lighting will make a big difference in your store's overall lighting, but smaller LED applications can boost sales too. Use undershelf lighting and other decorative fixtures to highlight new product lines, sale items, and displays.
The Don'ts
Forgetting About Dressing Rooms
Every space of your retail store needs ample lighting, especially the dressing room. This area could make or break your sale, so you'll want to use the most natural lighting to accurately show whether the clothing item will work for the customer.
Forgetting About Shadows, Glares, and Reflections
With shelving, signage, mirrors, and windows all around your retail location, you'll want to curate your lighting design carefully. Be aware that shelves will create shadows and require more undershelf lighting. You should also coordinate ceiling lights with window and mirror placements to avoid unnecessary glare.
Overdoing It
Bright LED lighting can undoubtedly be beneficial, but too much can be overwhelming and distracting. Use different light levels to create a balance and only brightly illuminate the most critical areas or displays.
Using LED retail lights will save your business money and help promote sales. Keep these dos and don'ts of LED retail lighting in mind when upgrading your store to LEDs for the best results.
