Could a lighting refit benefit your business?

When was the last time you stood back from your premises and viewed it as a customer? Does the shop front look appealing to passers-by? Are the products on display in windows appealing enough to draw in customers? Are your merchandise displays vibrant and attention grabbing? Are your customers able to navigate easily around the premises?

It doesn't matter what kind of business premises you operate, getting the right lighting to suit it puts your customers in an environment to suit your product or service. Fancy packaging or a cool store design isnt always enough and we have helped many business owners refresh their look and it was done by something that nearly always gets overlooked, the lighting. Here are some points we look at when transforming retails spaces.

1/SIGNAGE
Over the years we find that this area gets neglected. Remember when you first had your outside signs made and they shone brightly in the evening. Your business prominently displayed for all to see as they pass by. Now, as the globes have failed, it has become a dark or flickering half-hearted attempt to grab someones attention. Simply by replacing the globes, either within the light box, the spots or floodlights, can bring them back to their former glory. 

2/WINDOWS
Shop windows are your showcase and by using the correct lighting to match the store we can help people get a feel for your business. Spot lights strategically placed to highlight products on display make them stand out in a shop display. Maybe you have a salon with a luxurious interior, and some stylish pendant lighting to complement some products would give a glimpse of the comfortable space to expect inside.

3/COLOUR CHOICE
Light colour is measured in terms of temperature (as degrees Kelvin) and is commomly referred to as Cool White, Warm White and Daylight. Consider what colour temperature will best suit your retail space.
Cool white makes areas appear spacious and cleaner, whereas a warmer colour temperature gives a more cosy and comfortable feel.

4/LIGHT DISTRIBUTION
Whilst diffused general lighting ensures a sufficient level, it is usually what is left as an "it will do" level of light and then given no further thought. For example, using vertical illuminance makes orientation around your premises easier. This is just one way of keeping customers happily walking around your store.

5/SELECTING THE RIGHT FITTING
If colour reprsentation is important to the products you are selling, such as hair colouring, furnishings and paint for example, having a high CRI ( Colour Rendering Index) will help your customers visualise what something will look like when in natural light after they leave your store.
Consider also the accessibility of the fitting for future maintenance - a small saving in initial cost can end up being more costly over time if special access equipment is required to replace a globe. LED fittings are much more affordable than before and have significantly longer life spans over traditional lamp types. Not forgetting the lower running cost associated with them.