Designing a retail space is no simple feat. Every tiny detail has the potential to have a massive impact on your sales. From choices of paint color, flooring options, check-out spaces, and product placement, there are many things that need to be thought through in detail.
It can be easy to overlook the things that bring the space together with so much to think about. One such aspect is lighting. Many retailers just focus on having enough lighting to make sure things are visible. However, there is much more to consider when looking at how powerful well-designed lighting can be in the retail environment. If you are a retailer looking to upgrade your lighting, here are a few tips to assist you with your decisions :
You May Not Need a Complete Overhaul
If you already have some decent light fixtures in place, you might not need to implement a complete overhaul. Simply updating the bulbs and using LEDs could make a huge impact. Not only will they save you money, but they also won’t need to be replaced as often, which saves you time. However, if you are starting the process from scratch, it’s worth consulting a reputable lighting specialist such as lF illumination for advice.
Consider the Temperature
When making decisions about lighting for your retail space, it is important to consider whether you want the space to be warm or bright and cool. While bright lights make it easy to see everything in the store, it makes it harder to highlight particular products. Dim lights might not highlight products, but they will make customers feel more comfortable in the store. However, dim lights are known to bring people into the store but not necessarily create buyers, so you’ll need to factor in your priorities.
Use Lighting to Highlight Products
Using light to guide customers towards something you want them to buy is an excellent tool for sales. If you have a promotion running, you can use lights to draw the customer’s attention to that product or sign. Simply having overhead lighting won’t cut it here, so work with lamps and colored lighting to bring the focus to your products.
Texture Matters
Something many people seem to forget when they are making decisions about lighting fixtures is the importance of texture. When planning a retail space, you need to consider the texture and color of other surfaces when making decisions on your lighting needs. For example, black ceilings should be avoided at any cost. Shiny surfaces and dark finishes reflecting light can also be a distraction, so opt for matte finishes around the retail unit for the best results.
Lighting is something that is often overlooked when planning a retail space. However, in an industry where presentation is intrinsically linked to sales, light has the power to make or break a retail space. It’s important for planners to be mindful of light when designing retail spaces and consult professional lighting specialists for the best insights.