Attracted by light

Well designed in store lighting has a substantial influence on sales. Selling after dark has always been a challenge for retailers. In store lighting was the leading topic of the first EuroShop exhibition held in 1966. Even then, it was clear that the quality of light is just as important as its intensity. Light creates a sense of safety and generates confidence. According to András Kovács, managing director of Forlight Kft, modern illumination solutions can lead to a substantial reduction in costs and an increase in sales. The design of illumination systems should be left to professionals (not electricians). Universal or cool white light of 3,300-5,000k index should be used for basic in-store illumination everywhere with a sufficient number of lamps per floor space. Light sources of this type are cheap to operate and can be bought easily. Too intense light is just as bad as too weak light, which means that lamps should be positioned at the ideal height. If lights are positioned too low, the light will be disturbing and an annoyance to customers. If there are mirrors in the store, the mirroring of lights should also be avoided. Apart from basic illumination, targeted lighting should also be used to draw attention to specific products. A wide range of economic special lights for this purpose is also available today. Hidden T5 CFL-s are the most popular solution used at present, because their small size allows them to be installed easily under shelves or counters. These are available in various temperature grades from 2,700 Kelvin to 6,400K. The 4,200k variant is recommended for in-store use because its is neither too hot or too cold. Older and thicker T8 CFL-s can also be used for illuminating special areas. So called Gourmet CFL-s also exist which are ideal for illuminating delicacies with light of 3,700K temperature. Warm white (yellowish) light of under 3,300k temperature is best for meat and processed meat. Appropriate cover is extremely important for all light sources used in counters. The unparalleled advantage of LED is its life span of over 20,000 hours, though some models with a claimed life span in excess of 100,000 hours are also available. LED-s emit no UV radiation and heat emission is negligible. Special illumination is used for displays increasingly frequently. Digital control allows dynamic effects to be achieved instead of static illumination. Digital equipment is used in stores with increasing frequency, but care should always be taken with these not to exceed the ideal intensity of illumination.