Retail Lighting Mistakes

 

Last weekend whilst passing my customer “Material Needs”, I called I called in to see how Nick was doing. It’s a busy shop with a good following.

When I first entered the commercial lighting business, they were one of the first customers. In 2014 we replaced the old fluorescent fittings with 120×60 LED Panels, later when Nick purchased the business we fitted more panels with microwave sensors and also fitted out the first floor mainly with LED microwave sensor lights to save energy.

I automatically looked up at the lights in the shop to see they were all working perfectly, the shop looked lovely with, all brightly lit making their products stand out easily found by customers.  Nick, said don’t look at them they are all working well.

I asked how his new shop was going, his reply was as follows – “good, it’s not like this one I don’t have a suspended ceiling, it’s had ceiling mounted old fluorescent battens.

He explained “I replaced the tubes with LED tubes, but they are not bright enough”

“I wanted to save money as the tubes were just £8 each, one has failed already”

So lets just review what he said” he’s got inadequate lighting, that is bound to have an impact on sales, the shop will look dreary and uninviting. The lights are also failing at just a year or so old. Did he spend well? No he decided to choose lights based on price.

So, if you are a haulier do you choose your trucks on price or their load carrying capacity and reliability?

If you’re a mechanic, would you choose spanners on price rather than size and durability? Ask Snap-On?

So if you are buying lighting for a shop, would you not consider how what light you need first? Isn’t it pointless buying lights that don’t perform?

How is this done, well first you need to know the light levels required, shops require 300 to 500 LUX, supermarkets for example aim for 500 LUX.

 

Our local Superdrug has been refitted with cheap LED battens which are poor efficiency and the wrong colour or Kelvin. To cap this they are fitted to a suspended ceiling! The lighting could have been redesigned to have LED recessed panels. There would also be a 30% reduction in fittings as well. How ridicules to use a company that clearly knows nothing about lighting!

 

It’s understandable that we frequently encounter these issues. The scenario with Nick’s new shop is a classic example of “penny wise, pound foolish” in the world of commercial lighting. Businesses, particularly smaller ones, are often focused on immediate cost savings, and the allure of cheap LED replacements can be very strong.

Here are some reasons why this happens frequently and why it’s a persistent challenge:

• Lack of Awareness/Education: Many business owners simply don’t understand the science behind lighting design. They see “LED” and assume all LEDs are created equal, or that a simple tube swap will yield the same results as a properly designed system. They might not know about LUX levels, colour temperature (Kelvin), efficacy, or the benefits of advanced controls like microwave sensors.
• Perceived Simplicity: Replacing a tube or a batten seems like a straightforward, DIY-friendly task. They might get advice from general electrical wholesalers who are more focused on moving stock than providing tailored lighting solutions.
• Aggressive Marketing of “Cheap” LEDs: The market is flooded with low-cost LED products, often from manufacturers prioritising price over quality and performance. These products are easily accessible online or through general suppliers, making it easy for businesses to make a poor choice without proper guidance.
• Budget Constraints: Especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), cash flow can be tight. A £8 LED tube seems like a significant saving compared to a more comprehensive (and initially more expensive) panel or integrated fitting. They might not factor in the hidden costs of poor lighting: reduced sales, increased returns, premature failures, and the need for future re-dos.
• Focus on Immediate Needs: When an old fluorescent fitting fails, the immediate need is to get some light back. The long-term impact on the business environment is often a secondary concern.
• Lack of Professional Lighting Advice: Businesses often don’t consult lighting specialists or engineers. They might rely on their general electrician (who may not have specific lighting design expertise) or simply buy what’s available and affordable.

The Consequences (which you see playing out):

• Suboptimal Aesthetics: Dreary, uninviting spaces that deter customers.
• Reduced Sales: Poor lighting can make products look less appealing, harder to find, and generally diminish the shopping experience.
• Energy Inefficiency (paradoxically): While LEDs are energy-efficient, cheap ones with low efficacy might not deliver the promised savings, especially if more fittings are needed to achieve adequate light.
• Premature Failures: As Nick experienced, cheap products often have shorter lifespans, leading to ongoing maintenance costs and disruption.
• Incorrect Colour Temperature: This can distort product colours, making clothing look different, food less appealing, or even causing eye strain.
• Poor Uniformity/Glare: Badly designed systems can create hot spots, shadows, and uncomfortable glare, impacting both customers and staff.

It sounds like your role, then, isn’t just about selling lights, but often about educating businesses on the value of proper lighting design and the hidden costs of cutting corners. It’s a tough sell when an £8 tube is on the table, but the long-term benefits are clear to those who understand.