If you want to maximize your retail income, you've got to do everything possible to entice your customers to come in and stay. Sure, having the right inventory is a great first step, but the environment in which you display it can make all the difference. If your retail space has got the right ambience, customers will love the shopping experience in your store. One of the most important parts of an indoor environment is the lighting. Lighting creates mood, highlights products you want to emphasize, it generally adds to the flavor of your store. Give up on those tired old florescent lights. Add new lighting fixtures for increased store traffic and great personality.
Mood Lighting
Shopping is an emotional experience for many people, and the level and color of lights can certainly affect emotions. When your shoppers like the way the inside of your store looks, they make an emotional connection. This connection will draw them to your store over and over again, giving you a growing group of repeat customers. Lower environmental lighting will give a cozier feeling, making the customers feel more at home. This relaxed feeling will have to counteract the stress that usually accompanies spending money. In addition, colored lights can emphasize holidays or occasions. Install lights in a pink shade to encourage Valentine’s Day purchases, or hang a sparkling disco ball over party clothes. Your customers may not realize it, but your special lighting is putting them more in the mood to buy.
Spotlights
Install downward facing spotlights over merchandise you want to emphasize, impulse purchase collections, high-end merchandise, and checkout areas. Your customers’ eyes will subconsciously go toward these areas, making them more attractive to them as buyers. If you have a product you want to push, place it under one of your spotlights.
Signage
Sure, your sign is a way to let customers know you're there. But more than that, with the right kind of display, signs can add to mood lighting and create a fun environment. Buy one-word neon signs in fun colors, and hang them on the wall to emphasize merchandise. Words such as "new" or "hot" will give your retail space modern edge while drawing the customer’s eye. Obviously, this idea won't work for staid furniture stores, but for clothing stores, card shops, tourist areas, and even eateries, they can be a fun addition to your indoor decor.
Green Lighting
If your retail store emphasizes green living or renewable culture, add green fixtures to emphasize your commitment to the environment. Use CFC lightbulbs, LED lights, or other low impact lighting fixtures. These lighting methods will lower your carbon footprint, save on your power bill, as well as showing your customers that you practice what you preach. It's a win-win, savings on your power bill and more ecologically minded customers for your store. An LED retrofit is a great way to upgrade lighting and save money long term.
Safety lighting
Lighting additions to your retail space don't have to be decorative. Adding safety lighting fixtures can enhance the shopping experience. Install outdoor pedestrian lighting if you have sidewalks on your property. Install or improve the lighting in your parking lot, using LED lights for more visibility. A licensed electrician will be able to run new wiring and add lighting wherever you need it.
Add bright lights to the front of your store, to make your storefront look more welcoming. With outdoor lighting, you’re sure to see more evening customers.
