FEATURE: SMART LIGHTING


SMART TECHNOLOGY STOCKING UP ON


As the market for connected appliances continues to grow, Rachel Morris, Marketing Manager at 4Lite, examines the reasons why DIY retailers should consider stocking smart lighting technology alongside other connected products.


T the to Smart lighting


When it comes to connected homes, consumers’ first thoughts perhaps go to security systems, appliances or heating controls, not forgetting of course, virtual assistants such as Hey Google, Alexa or Siri, yet smart lighting too is growing in appeal. Information about


its benefits and


ability to greatly reduce energy use has become more mainstream in recent months, driving its allure to the everyday home owner facing cost pressures. A well designed and operated


smart lighting system can reduce lighting energy use by up to two thirds, which, based on the common assumption that 15% of the average domestic electricity bill is spent on lighting, translates to a 10% reduction overall. As the lifting of the energy price cap has meant many homeowners are facing an average 54% increase in price, this


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he demand for connected appliances and smart technology is soaring at the moment, compounded in


the main by the impact of spiralling energy prices. As consumers seek to implement more energy efficient technology in their homes, very real opportunities for retailers to increase sales and revenue in this area are being created.


Connected appliances and smart


technology have been around for some time yet it is perhaps now, facing an expenditure crisis, that many consumers are actually sitting up and taking note of the very real benefits they have to offer. From improving security in home


controllability and


providing remote improved


appliance functionality, connected products offer many clear advantages to consumers yet it is perhaps the heightened energy efficiency and cost savings that appeal the most.


10% reduction is definitely not to be sniffed at. The current sales potential for smart lighting is considerable and retailers who sell other smart and connected products are potentially missing a trick by not stocking smart lighting alongside them. Today, many cost-conscious consumers are looking for the whole package to create their smart home, not just one or two quirky gadgets, as they take a holistic view on improving energy efficiency and functionality.


What to stock If a retailer doesn’t already stock smart lighting products then we recommend stocking a small range of versatile products to begin with. Smart bulbs, strip lighting and smart accessories such as plugs,


remote


controls and sensors are a great place to start and can be used in various locations throughout the home and garden. Relatively inexpensive to buy, they are proving to be popular amongst consumers intrigued by the technology and seeking to experiment with how it could work and benefit them in their home.


LED smart bulbs for example were very expensive when first released but as the market has expanded prices have reduced massively and are now available for only a couple of pounds more than a standard LED bulb. Given the many features and functionality a smart bulb provides, this represents a real opportunity for retailers to upsell and offer real added value. Similarly, smart plugs are a great


device that represent an easy way for consumers to dip their toes into the world of smart technology. They give connectivity to anything that is plugged into them, enabling traditional fittings to be automated and controlled in the same way as a fully integrated smart lighting system.


Advanced technology For those looking to offer a more comprehensive


range of smart lighting products to their offering,


‘A well designed and operated smart lighting system can reduce lighting energy use by up to two thirds’


adding products that have smart technology embedded in


them -


such as our 4Lite WiZ Connected technology - is a must. Such products give end users optimum control over their lighting, enabling them to link luminaires together to create different scenes, groups and schedules, setting time of operation and dictating elements such as colour and brightness – all of which have an impact on energy use and can directly influence energy expenditure. Whatever products retailers do


opt for,


interoperability should be a key consideration when selecting which ranges to stock. Ranges that work with other eco systems such as Hey Google, Alexa and Siri are a must as customers will want their smart devices to work together in their home without having to use a myriad of different apps. As


smart lighting is still a


relatively new concept and despite its soaring popularity, retailers do still need to educate consumers about its many benefits during the sales process, as there remains some confusion regarding the technology and a lack of understanding about the benefits it brings. Many feel you have to be highly tech-savvy to install and operate smart lighting but intuitive apps and seamless pairing means it is actually extremely straightforward. Manufacturers such as ourselves are offering plenty of resources to


retailers to support that process, offering a wealth of knowledge and expertise to customers looking to take that step into smart lighting. Training sessions and step by step set up videos, as well as point of sale displays to help merchandise the product and other marketing materials are all available and should be used to enhance knowledge and awareness. We also have great customer service, technical and lighting design teams who are more than happy to help support both retailers and customers alike.


Demo areas


If space allows, it is recommended that retailers of smart lighting set up a demonstration area to showcase its functional capabilities. This is incredibly important and will allow customers to see the true value of smart lighting and the many benefits it has to offer. On a final note, it’s worth saying that no matter what smart lighting products retailers do decide to stock, real consideration must be given to the manufacturer who produces them.


As with any


product that collects data, the manufacturer needs to demonstrate their smart lighting product will not compromise customers’ data, such as anonymous sign-in, TLS 1.2 encrypted cloud connections and OAuth 2.0 as well as robust and transparent privacy notices.


APRIL 2022 DIY WEEK 13


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