Commercial Lighting For Retail And Restaurants

Commercial lighting has a multitude of functions,  primarily to create ambiance in your establishment and draw customers to your merchandise. By understanding types of lighting and their roles, a business owner can work together with the electrician to create the ideal lighting for both the needs of customers and the most effective display of merchandise.

Here are some of the essential tools in lighting a storefront operation:

General lighting

Also called ambient lighting, these are the overhead lights that provide necessary illumination for the store. It keeps people out of the dark and light most of the space with general illumination. General lighting makes customers feel safe and welcome. Good lighting isn’t exceptional, but poor lighting will drive customers away.

Accent lighting

The purpose of accent lighting is to bring attention to merchandise and make it look its best. Accent lighting draws customers: by pairing the most desirable merchandise with accent lighting, it draws the customer to your best pieces. Accent lighting shouldn’t be limited to the ceiling, either. Think about uplighting in display windows and strip lighting along shelving. 

Task lighting

Task lighting is lighting helps your staff or customers perform tasks that require light. The dressing room, the service and checkout desk, the prep area, and the backroom all need task lighting for specific functions unrelated to merchandise display. 

Decorative lighting

Decorative lighting is the lighting which sends customers an emotional message. Playful twinkle lights, bold colored lighting, elegant chandeliers, and more help create your brand message and draw the customers you want. While decorative lighting makes a statement, it is also efficient for other purposes, i.e., the task of general lighting. But as an establishment that doesn’t have decorative lighting is sending a weak message. Failure to submit a brand message can cause a merchandiser to lose valuable business.

When choosing lighting, fixtures should be paired with bulbs that fulfill the specific needs of the area. Pendant lighting, for example, looks very different depending on the color range of the bulb. Color temperature strategies should be strongly considered during the selection of lighting.

Lighting is truly one of the most creative means to use a primary function to draw, guide, comfort, and delight your customers. While poor lighting is underwhelming, a storefront should never underestimate proper lighting as a sales tool.

Zimmerman Electric is here to serve your residential and commercial electrical needs throughout the Phoenix Valley metro area. Call us today if you need electrical work performed 602-497-3365.