Light affects everything. Light is how we see and interpret the inviting or uninviting nature of a situation. This applies to nearly everything we experience, but it particularly affects our retail experience, both for those who work in retail and for shoppers. Proper lighting can make the difference between lethargic, disconnected employees and active, attentive ones. Studies also show that store lighting has a significant influence on the amount of time customers spend shopping, as well as their comfort level when making purchases. Transitioning from older forms of lighting, such as fluorescent lighting, to LED lighting can have a significant impact on the cost of doing business, as well as change the way customers perceive your company.
Changing The Environment
Switching to LED lighting can seem daunting, but the benefits far outweigh the initial struggles of change. LED lights offer numerous advantages, the most notable being reduced energy costs. LEDs can reduce lighting costs by up to 75%. That is a game changer. Not only that, but they can also reduce cooling costs. Traditional lighting gives off the majority of its light through heat; LEDs do not. They run much cooler, which naturally lowers the overall room temperature. This change of temperature can affect the comfort of your employees and customers, creating a more inviting environment.
Then there is the light itself. LED lights emit what is often referred to as white light, or a cleaner, purer light. This cleaner light not only increases visibility, but it can also impact the health of those experiencing it. Studies show that proper lighting in the workplace can impact mood, alertness, and productivity, as well as reduce the likelihood of specific physical ailments, including eye strain, headaches, and even high blood pressure. The health and well-being of your employees can significantly impact the efficiency of your company; providing them with proper lighting is definitely worth it.
Shopping Through Light
Light is how we see; if the lighting around us is bright and clear, then we can see and enjoy the details of our environment. In a retail setting, seeing the details can make the difference between shopping till we drop and dropping our shopping and running out. A 2013 university study shows that the lighting in a store can significantly impact the way shoppers perceive both the store and its products. Dimly lit shops were described with adjectives such as ‘shady’ or ‘untrustworthy’, while well-lit, bright stores were thought to be better organized and to carry better quality products. The light makes all the difference. The brighter, cleaner light of LEDs can give customers the assurance that they are truly seeing what they are purchasing, making them more comfortable spending more time in the shop and buying more.
Choosing Light
Not only does proper lighting affect your electric bill, but it can also impact your employees’ attentiveness and safety, as well as your customers’ choices and spending habits. Taking the time to retrofit your older lighting systems with LED lights will not only save you money, but it will also generate a return on investment. Clearly, updated LED lighting is a smart business decision all around.
If you would like more information about retrofitting the lighting in your business, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
