Lighting concept

Corporate identity and recognition value of a retail space determine its design and therefore any equipment used, which includes the lighting concept. Light provides orientation, accents and showcasing.

Light for visual performance purposes is a priority for commercial establishments in the low-price range such as hardware stores and supermarkets for food, shoes and sports. Their spaces are characterised by large-capacity architecture housing presentation of goods and sometimes integrated merchandise storage as well as simple lighting systems. Visual performance is characterised by lighting level (illuminance) and glare limitation.

Visual comfort, meaning light for viewing, is dominant in commercial establishments with higher levels of quality such as department stores, specialised stores and pharmacies with clear brand identity. High-value lighting systems with various light sources and accent lighting form attractive light scenes. Harmonious brightness distribution and sound colour rendition are further lighting quality criteria.

Visual ambience is determined by light colour, light direction and shadow detail. High-end lighting systems can create effects that draw in cusotmers and invite them to stay for longer. Commercial establishments and concession areas for brands that emphasis the user experience such as fashion boutiques and food specialists combine the presentation of merchandise as a product stage with aspirational interior design.

According to priorities in merchandise and sales strategy and thus lighting concepts, especially retail spaces can feature varying lighting requirements.

Figure 3.144: According to the concept of the retail space, visual performance, visual comfort or visual ambience determine the criteria for lighting