RANGE REVIEW: LIGHEW:EW: LIGHTING & ELECTRICAL G IGHTING & ELECTR WAY RI


LIGHT THE WAY FORWAY YOUR CUSTOMERS


trying to appeal to and what product you ar e selling. The following ar e some guidelines to assist with starting your store lighting design:


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Start with figuring out your general lighting which is the main sour ce of light for your store. Generally fluorescent or LED light bulbs are used for this, with fluorescent being the less expensive choice. LEDs ar e the most ef ficient and longest lasting light sour ce, in the past they were expensive but the price has come down and we ar e seeing those used mor e in general


1 lighting applications now.


There are also task credits available and your store may qualify. When selecting LEDs, think about the lighting temperature which gives off the colour of the light. If you want warmer colors, select 2700 K or 3000 K or 4000 K which is a cooler light choice, although technology is still being developed and they ar e not consistent in colour temperatur e and tone. Purchase them all at the same time to ensur e consistency in your lighting.


hen plann ing your retail store, one always has to consider the space, the population or culture you ar e


Evaluating your task light is the next step and this is used to illuminate areas in your stor e where light is needed to perform specific tasks such as stor e entrances, checkout area and customer service desks. LEDs, fluorescent and incandescent have been lighting sources used for this application. Weare seeing incandescent used the least as they are being phased out with their short lifespan and high ener gy usage. Utilise your floor plan and select these key ar eas when making these choices.


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Accent light is the next step which is used to highlight key areas in the stor e, display and décor . Examples of these can be a focus on new pr oducts, a piece of art, shelving displays, window displays and case goods that emphasise pr oducts. LEDs ar e becoming more commonly used for this source of light.


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Next, consider using decorative lighting which is not a source of light but a light fixture that can add a focal point in to your store while adding a good source of light. Examples of these are chandeliers, wall sconces and custom light fixtures. We


We can see


LEDs, incandescent or halogen light bulbs used in these fixtur es.


Think about using dimmer switches which can assist you in contr olling the amount of light in your store. This can really be a cost- saver on energy as well as it gives you the ability to create the mood of the stor e. Make sur e you select the type of dimmers that are compatible with the type of light bulbs you ar e using and the amount of wattage. A good lighting supplier can help you with this task.


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mounted light fixtures. Track lighti can be a gr eat option when installing and ar e


Select the type of fixtur e you want to use, whether its track lighting, r ecessed cans or ceiling rack lighting


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on a concrete more


ceiling cost-effective and can add flexibility to the direction of the light


As a retailer, helping your customers find the right lighting solutions f or their home is an important part of your job but making sure your in-store lighting is as inviting is just as crucial. Retail design/lighting specialist Leslie Stern, owner of Leslie M Stern Design, offers her top tips on how to utilise lighting for your retail store.


you ar e trying to achieve. Recessed cans appear very minimal in appearance but can be costly when installing all the r equir ed junction boxes to achieve the same amount of li ght. Ceiling-mount ed f


fiixture s,


such as a fluorescent l ight bulbs housed in 2 X 4 frames are also a cost-saver as they don’t r equire as many fixtur es to light your store. These should only be used for general lighting.


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Consider your lighting budget and the lead time when making your final decisions. Electrical material, light fixtures, as well as a good qualified electrician’s labour cost, should all play a part in making an educated decision on your selection of lighting fixtur es.


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24 NOVEMBER 2017 DIY WEEK 15


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