Lighting solutions for retail outlets: a complete guide to enhancing your sales space

The challenges of lighting in commercial spaces

Commercial lighting meets several simultaneous objectives that need to be carefully balanced. The first challenge concerns visibility and visual comfort for customers. Insufficient or poorly designed lighting is tiring on the eyes, creates an uninviting atmosphere and can even deter customers from entering your establishment.

The second issue is economic. Lighting systems account for a significant proportion of electricity consumption in retail outlets, up to 30-50% of the energy bill depending on the type of activity. The technology choices you make today will determine your operating costs for the next 10 to 20 years.

Commercial lighting is also a powerful marketing tool. The way you light your products has a direct impact on their appeal and perceived value. A garment presented in the right light can look luxurious, while the same item in the wrong light will appear banal. Retail professionals know that well-designed lighting can boost sales by 10 to 30%.

Finally, lighting contributes to your brand identity. Warm and subdued for a gourmet restaurant, lively and dynamic for a sports store, sophisticated for a jewelry store: each type of business has its own lighting codes that help create an experience consistent with your positioning.

The main commercial lighting technologies

LED lighting: the current benchmark

LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology has established itself as the benchmark solution for commercial lighting. Its many advantages are a decisive factor for retailers seeking to boost performance and profitability.

LEDs offer an exceptional lifespan, generally between 25,000 and 50,000 hours, compared with 1,000 hours for incandescent bulbs and 8,000 to 15,000 hours for fluorescent tubes. In concrete terms, with 12 hours' use per day, a quality LED will operate without replacement for 6 to 10 years, drastically reducing maintenance costs.

Energy efficiency is the other major advantage of LEDs. They consume 80-90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and 40-50% less than fluorescent tubes for equivalent lighting levels. In a context of rising energy costs, this feature represents a considerable economic advantage.

Unlike older technologies, LEDs emit virtually no heat. This property is particularly important for lighting sensitive products such as foodstuffs, cosmetics or textiles. It also helps reduce air-conditioning requirements, generating additional savings.

The color rendering quality (CRI - Color Rendering Index) of modern LEDs often reaches and exceeds 90, even 95 for top-of-the-range models. This index measures a light source's ability to faithfully reproduce natural colors. A CRI above 90 is recommended for all commercial applications where accurate color perception is important.

Other technologies still present

Although LEDs dominate the market, some traditional technologies persist in specific applications. Fluorescent tubes, particularly T5 and T8, are still used in many existing shops. Their gradual replacement by LED tubes or complete LED solutions often represents an investment that quickly pays for itself.

Halogens are sometimes used for accent lighting in jewelry shops or luxury stores, thanks to their excellent color rendering and luminous intensity. However, their high energy consumption and heat generation make them obsolete in the face of high-performance LEDs.

Metal halide lamps still have their place in the lighting of very large spaces such as commercial warehouses or sales areas of several thousand square metres. However, high-power LED headlamps are gradually replacing them.

The different types of commercial lighting

General or ambient lighting

General lighting ensures the overall illumination of your commercial space. It creates the basic level of brightness that allows customers to move around comfortably and perceive the entire environment. This lighting layer determines the overall atmosphere of your business.

For a clothing store or general store, a lighting level of 300 to 500 lux is generally recommended. Supermarkets require higher levels, between 500 and 750 lux, to ensure excellent visibility of products and labels. Luxury boutiques can opt for lower levels, around 200 to 300 lux, offset by powerful accent lighting.

Common solutions for general lighting include recessed LED panels, LED tiles, pendants or track lighting with spotlights. The choice depends on ceiling height, architectural style and desired effect. LED tiles 600x600 mm or 1200x300 mm provide uniform, discreet lighting, particularly suited to technical ceilings.

Accent or directional lighting

Accent lighting creates focal points to draw attention to specific products, areas or architectural elements. It creates contrast and depth, making the space more dynamic and naturally guiding the customer's gaze.

Track-mounted LED spotlights are the most flexible solution for accent lighting. They make it easy to adjust orientation and intensity to suit product layouts and sales campaigns. Beam angles generally range from 15° (highly concentrated) to 60° (wide), with each application requiring a specific choice.

For shop windows, accent lighting needs to be particularly powerful to compensate for natural daylight and catch the eye of passers-by. A ratio of 3 to 5 times the illuminance of general lighting is recommended to create an effective visual impact.

Decorative lighting

Decorative lighting helps create a distinctive visual identity and enhances the atmosphere of your business. Designer suspension fixtures, illuminated signs, LED ribbons creating contour effects or architectural lighting: these elements add an aesthetic and emotional dimension to your space.

RGB (Red Green Blue) or RGBW (with additional white channel) LED ribbons offer endless creative possibilities. You can create colorful atmospheres to suit the seasons, events or times of day. These systems, which can be controlled via DMX controllers or smartphone applications, offer great flexibility.

Indirect lighting, using LED angles or aluminium profiles, creates wall-washing effects or luminous false ceilings. This technique adds depth to the space, creating a sophisticated ambience without direct glare.

Essential selection criteria

Color temperature

Color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), defines the chromatic appearance of light. It has a strong influence on the perceived ambience, and must be chosen in line with your business and positioning.

Warm temperatures (2700K to 3000K) produce a white light tending towards yellow-orange, similar to traditional incandescent bulbs. This light creates a welcoming, warm and intimate atmosphere, ideal for restaurants, interior design stores, hair salons or high-end clothing stores.

Neutral temperatures (3500K to 4500K) offer a balanced white light, perceived as natural and comfortable. They are suitable for most retail outlets, including ready-to-wear stores, bookshops, shoe stores and gyms. This temperature represents an effective compromise between comfort and visibility.

Cooler temperatures (5000K to 6500K) generate a white light with bluish nuances, reminiscent of daylight in full sunlight. They promote concentration and visual precision, making them suitable for pharmacies, electronics stores, jewelry shops (to appreciate the brilliance of metals and stones), or supermarkets (to emphasize the freshness of products).

Color rendering index (CRI)

The CRI (Color Rendering Index) measures a light source's ability to faithfully reproduce colors compared to natural light, on a scale of 0 to 100. A CRI of 100 corresponds to perfect reproduction.

For shops where accurate color perception is crucial - clothing stores, paint stores, florists, butchers, fishmongers - a minimum CRI of 90 is strongly recommended. Top-of-the-range LED luminaires today achieve CRIs of 95 or even 97.

Insufficient CRI distorts colors: red clothing can look orange, make-up dull, fresh meat unappetizing. These distortions lead to disappointment when customers see the products in natural light after purchase, generating dissatisfaction and returns.

Power and luminous flux

Wattage, expressed in watts (W), indicates a luminaire's power consumption, but does not directly indicate the amount of light produced. Luminous flux, measured in lumens (lm), represents the total quantity of light emitted by a source.

Luminous efficacy, expressed in lumens per watt (lm/W), is used to compare the energy efficiency of luminaires. Today's LEDs commonly reach 120 to 160 lm/W, with the latest-generation professional models sometimes exceeding 200 lm/W.

To determine your needs, first calculate the desired illuminance (in lux), then multiply by the surface area of your business (in m²) to obtain the total luminous flux required. For example, for a 50 m² store requiring 500 lux, you'll need a total of 25,000 lumens, divided between general and accent lighting.

Diffusion angle

The beam's angle of diffusion or aperture determines how light is distributed in space. Narrow angles (15° to 30°) focus light on a restricted area, creating powerful accents. Medium angles (40° to 60°) offer a versatile compromise. Wide angles (80° to 120°) disperse light over a large area, suitable for general lighting.

The choice of angle depends on the mounting height and the desired effect. A simple rule: the higher the ceiling, the narrower the angle can be to focus light on the sales area. Conversely, spaces with low ceilings benefit from wide angles to avoid shadowy areas.

Standards and regulations in France

The requirements of standard NF EN 12464-1

European standard NF EN 12464-1, applicable in France, defines lighting requirements for indoor workplaces, including commercial spaces. This technical standard sets minimum illuminance values for different activities, and specifies lighting quality criteria.

For general sales areas, the standard recommends 300 lux. Cash registers and payment areas require 500 lux to facilitate cash handling and document reading. Food preparation areas in catering outlets require a minimum of 500 lux, or even 750 lux for certain delicate tasks.

The standard also imposes a limited Unified Glare Rating (UGR), generally below 22 for commercial applications. This index measures visual discomfort caused by direct glare. Luminaires must be fitted with anti-glare diffusers or louvres to meet this requirement.

Thermal and energy regulations

In France, the RT 2012 thermal regulation (gradually being replaced by the RE 2020 - Réglementation Environnementale 2020) imposes energy performance requirements for new buildings and certain major renovations. Artificial lighting is included in the calculation of a building's overall energy consumption.

The regulations favor the use of energy-efficient light sources and encourage the use of natural light. Automatic lighting management systems (presence detection, dimming according to natural light) are included in regulatory calculations.

France's tertiary sector decree requires all tertiary sector buildings (including shops) over 1,000 m² to reduce their energy consumption. The targets are -40% by 2030, -50% by 2040 and -60% by 2050, compared with a reference year. Lighting optimization is a major lever for achieving these objectives.

Accessibility regulations

French regulations on the accessibility of establishments open to the public (ERP), including retail outlets, impose specific lighting requirements. Lighting levels must enable visually impaired people to move around and spot obstacles.

Main traffic areas must have a minimum illuminance of 100 lux, measured at ground level. Stairs require 150 lux to ensure safety. Lighting must be even, without creating excessive contrasts that could disorient people with visual impairments.

Lighting controls (switches, detectors) must be positioned between 0.90 m and 1.30 m from the floor to be accessible to wheelchair users. These requirements, defined by the order of December 8, 2014, apply to new shops and significant renovations.

Lighting solutions by type of business

Fashion and ready-to-wear boutiques

The lighting in a clothing boutique must highlight the textiles, respect the colors and create an atmosphere consistent with the brand's positioning. A minimum CRI of 90 is essential to faithfully reproduce the hues and nuances of fabrics.

General lighting can be provided by ceiling-mounted LED panels or tiles, complemented by track-mounted spotlights for accent lighting. A color temperature of 3000K to 4000K is suitable for most designs. Luxury brands often prefer 2700K to 3000K for a more intimate, sophisticated atmosphere.

Fitting rooms deserve special attention. Front and side lighting prevent unsightly shadows on the face. Some systems offer several color temperatures simulating different conditions (daylight, indoor light, evening light) to enable customers to judge how the garment will look in different situations.

Window displays require powerful lighting to attract attention from the outside. High-intensity directional spotlights, with narrow angles (15° to 24°), create dramatic accents on key pieces. Installing dimming systems allows you to adapt the intensity of light to the brightness of the outside environment and the time of day.

Food and catering

Food stores are subject to specific constraints linked to the presentation of fresh produce and hygiene standards. Lighting must emphasize the freshness and palatability of food, without compromising its quality.

For butchers and fishmongers, special LEDs with a slightly pinkish color temperature (3000K to 3500K) and a CRI over 90 enhance the appearance of meat and fish. These light sources emit no UV or significant heat, thus preserving product quality.

Fruit and vegetable departments benefit from lighting with a strong green component in the spectrum, enhancing the freshness and vibrancy of colors. Specific "fresh food" LED solutions have been developed for these applications.

In restaurants, lighting sets the mood. Gastronomic establishments prefer general subdued lighting (100 to 200 lux) with accents on tables thanks to hanging lights or individual lamps. Family restaurants or fast-food outlets opt for brighter lighting (300 to 500 lux) to create a dynamic atmosphere.

Kitchens, even open-plan kitchens, require powerful functional lighting (500 to 750 lux) with a good CRI to distinguish food and ensure hygiene. IP65 waterproof LED strips resist splashing water and steam.

Jewelry and watches

Jewellers require exceptional lighting to enhance the brilliance of precious metals and the fire of stones. A minimum CRI of 95 is recommended, with a color temperature of 3000K to 4000K that enhances yellow and white gold.

Lighting in showcases should be highly directional, with narrow-beam spotlights (10° to 15°) creating reflections and plays of light on the jewels. The power must be high for the pieces to immediately attract attention. Fiber-optic systems or LED mini-projectors provide precise lighting without generating heat.

The general lighting of the boutique remains sober and elegant, often around 200 to 300 lux, so that the jewels stand out by contrast. Advisory and transaction areas require 500 lux shadow-free lighting for detailed examination of parts.

Book and stationery stores

Bookstores require uniform, comfortable lighting to encourage reading and prolonged consultation. A level of 500 lux with a neutral color temperature (3500K to 4000K) creates an environment conducive to concentration.

The shelves feature integrated LED strips that light up the edges of the books, making them easier to find. The lighting must not create annoying reflections on the plastic covers. Luminaires with anti-glare diffusers and a UGR of less than 19 are recommended.

Reading areas and sitting areas require softer, warmer lighting (2700K to 3000K, 300 lux), creating an atmosphere inviting you to linger. Individual reading lights are a useful complement to the general lighting.

Hairdressing and beauty salons

Hairdressing salons have demanding lighting requirements to ensure precision work and customer comfort. Lighting at styling stations must be uniform, without creating shadows on the face, and with a CRI above 90 to correctly perceive hair nuances.

A combination of general lighting (400 lux) and directional lighting at workstations (750 to 1000 lux) ensures optimum conditions. Mirrors with integrated LED lighting ensure flattering, true-to-life facial illumination.

Color temperatures from 3500K to 4000K offer a good compromise between natural rendering and pleasant ambience. Some top-of-the-range salons install systems that allow color temperature to be varied according to performance or time of day.

Intelligent lighting management systems

Presence detection

Presence or motion detectors automatically activate lighting when a person enters an area, and switch it off after a configurable delay if there is no movement. In retail outlets, this technology is mainly used in storerooms, washrooms and technical areas.

Passive infrared detectors (PIR) capture heat variations linked to human movement. Ultrasonic detectors emit waves and detect frequency changes due to movement. Models combining both technologies offer the best reliability.

For sales areas, presence detection is more rarely used, as lighting generally has to remain on throughout opening hours. However, some superstores use it in lightly trafficked secondary aisles, combined with a standby lighting level.

Automatic daylight dimming

Photometric dimming systems automatically adjust the intensity of artificial lighting according to the natural light available. Brightness sensors (photocells) measure light levels and control luminaire dimming.

This solution is particularly suitable for shops with large glass surfaces. It maintains a constant level of brightness throughout the day, while significantly reducing power consumption when the sun shines naturally on the space.

Energy savings can reach 30-50% in areas close to shop windows, with payback in 2-4 years depending on configuration. Modern electronic dimmers are compatible with most professional LED luminaires.

Connected and controllable lighting systems

Intelligent lighting solutions, based on protocols such as DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface), DMX or proprietary systems, allow individual control of each luminaire or group of luminaires via a centralized interface.

These systems offer advanced functionalities: time programming (different scenarios according to busy hours), creation of pre-recorded lighting scenes (day/evening/event ambiance), remote control via smartphone or tablet, alerts in the event of luminaire failure.

For stores with several points of sale, centralized management ensures a consistent lighting ambience across all sites. Energy savings come from fine-tuning lighting to actual needs, with some installations achieving 40-60% lower consumption than traditional, unmanaged lighting.

Connected lighting compatible with home automation

Lighting systems integrating standardized communication protocols such as Zigbee, Z-Wave or Wi-Fi interface with home automation platforms. For small shops or businesses combining retail space and living space, these solutions offer attractive flexibility.

Products such as Philips Hue, originally designed for residential use, are now finding their way into commercial applications, in particular to create colorful atmospheres for special events or seasons. The ease of installation and reconfiguration is particularly attractive to retailers who regularly change their layout.

Compatibility with voice assistants (Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit) enables voice control of lighting, appreciated in certain contexts such as showrooms or demonstration areas.

Lighting as a visual merchandising tool

Prioritizing spaces

Lighting naturally creates a visual hierarchy, guiding the eye to priority areas and products. Customers instinctively head for the best-lit areas. You can exploit this behavior to direct traffic and highlight your high-margin products or new releases.

An illuminance ratio of 3:1 between an accent zone and the general lighting creates a perceptible but harmonious contrast. A ratio of 5:1 or more creates a dramatic, attention-grabbing impact.

The "progressive contrast" technique consists of gradually increasing light intensity from the back of the store towards the entrance, naturally encouraging customers to explore the entire space rather than staying within the first few meters.

Adapting to seasonal cycles

Changing the lighting mood according to the season enhances the attractiveness of your business and maintains a sense of novelty. Warmer color temperatures (2700K) and slightly reduced intensities create a cocooning atmosphere in autumn and winter. Brighter, cooler lighting (4000K) evokes the dynamism of spring and summer.

RGB lighting systems make it possible to integrate colorful hues for festive periods: orange for Halloween, red and green for Christmas, pink and red for Valentine's Day. These thematic moods, used sparingly, create Instagram-friendly moments that encourage sharing on social networks.

Consistency with brand identity

Each retailer should develop a "lighting code" consistent with its positioning. Luxury boutiques favor subdued lighting with dramatic accents, creating an exclusive atmosphere. Popular signs opt for generous, uniform lighting, reassuring and welcoming.

Color temperature is an integral part of this identity. Starbucks systematically uses warm temperatures (2700K-3000K) to create a "third place" atmosphere between home and office. The Apple Store uses a highly uniform, neutral light (4000K) to emphasize the sleek, technological design of its products.

Energy and financial optimization

Calculating return on investment

Replacing traditional lighting with LEDs represents a significant initial investment, but the savings generated will quickly pay for themselves. To calculate the return on investment (ROI), consider the following elements:

Annual energy savings = (Old power - New power) × Number of hours of use per year × Cost per kWh. For example, replacing 50 50W halogen spotlights with 7W LEDs, operating 3650 hours a year (10h/day), with an electricity cost of €0.20/kWh: (50×50W - 50×7W) × 3650h × €0.20 = €1569 annual savings.

Add maintenance savings: reduced bulb replacement costs (labor and materials) thanks to the longevity of LEDs. For our example, with 10 halogen replacements a year at €15 each (bulb + time), the maintenance savings come to €150 a year.

If the investment to replace these 50 spots amounts to €3,000 (LED spots + installation), the ROI is calculated as follows: €3,000 / (€1,569 + €150) = 1.75 years. The investment pays for itself in less than 2 years, for LEDs that last 10 years or more.

Available grants and subsidies

In France, several schemes can provide financial support for commercial lighting renovation projects. Certificats d'Économies d'Énergie (CEE), a national system whereby energy suppliers finance energy efficiency work, can cover a significant part of the cost of professional LEDs.

Retailers can also apply to ADEME (Agence de l'Environnement et de la Maîtrise de l'Énergie), a French public body which offers grants for energy efficiency improvement projects. Local chambers of commerce and industry sometimes have funds to help businesses modernize.

Some local authorities offer specific subsidies for the renovation of city-center businesses as part of urban revitalization programs. For more information, contact your town hall or local authority.

Care and maintenance

An LED lighting system requires little maintenance compared with traditional technologies, but a few simple operations can extend its life and maintain its performance. Regular cleaning of luminaires, at least twice a year, prevents the build-up of dust that reduces luminous efficiency.

Periodically check the condition of luminaires: detect abnormal overheating, check fixings, check that detectors and control systems are working properly. Keep a register of installations to trace any failures and anticipate end-of-life.

Choose professional luminaires from recognized brands offering extended warranties (5 years minimum) and responsive after-sales services. The slightly higher initial cost is largely justified by the reliability and durability of the system.

Practical aspects of implementation

Preliminary diagnosis

Prior to any commercial lighting renovation or installation project, make a complete diagnosis of your needs and constraints. Measure current light levels with a luxmeter in different areas and at different times of day. Identify under-lit, over-lit or uneven areas.

Analyze your electricity bill to determine the share of lighting in your total consumption. Record the technical characteristics of your existing installation: type of luminaires, wattages, numbers, mounting heights, electrical circuits.

Think about your objectives: improving ambience, enhancing product value, reducing energy costs, modernizing image, flexibility for layout changes, etc. Prioritize these objectives to guide your technical and budgetary choices.

The choice of professionals

A successful commercial lighting project relies on skilled professionals. A lighting engineer or specialized design office will design the installation according to your needs, carry out photometric calculations and produce 3D simulations so that you can visualize the rendering before the work is carried out.

For installation, call on a qualified electrician, ideally with certifications such as Qualifelec (French qualification organization for electrical and energy engineering companies). This qualification guarantees a certain level of technical competence and compliance with standards.

Ask for several detailed quotations, and compare not only prices but also the brands on offer, the warranties offered, and the services included (design, programming, training, maintenance). If possible, visit the previous achievements of the service providers you are considering.

Scalability of the installation

Design your lighting installation with a medium- to long-term vision. Anticipate possible changes in your business, layout or merchandising concepts. Rail-mounted systems offer maximum flexibility for repositioning spotlights without major electrical intervention.

Size the electrical installation to allow for the addition of luminaires at a later date, without the need for a complete overhaul. Choose open, scalable lighting management systems rather than proprietary solutions that are difficult to modify.

Document your installation: layout plans, product references, programming parameters. This documentation facilitates future interventions, and means that a defective luminaire can be replaced with an identical one, even several years after installation.

Conclusion

Commercial lighting is much more than just a utilitarian function: it's a strategic investment with a direct impact on the customer experience, brand image and profitability of your business. Modern LED technologies offer a unique combination of energy efficiency, luminous quality, flexibility and durability that fully justifies their adoption.

Well-designed lighting enhances the value of your products, naturally guides your customers, creates an atmosphere consistent with your positioning, and generates substantial savings on your energy bills. Intelligent management systems add an extra dimension of performance and adaptability.

The success of your lighting project hinges on careful consideration of your objectives, the choice of quality products and technologies, the involvement of skilled professionals, and a design that can evolve over time. The return on investment for a professional LED installation is generally between 2 and 4 years, with a service life of 10 to 15 years.

Don't hesitate to enlist the help of commercial lighting specialists to optimize your project. Your lighting installation is a differentiating element that contributes to your commercial success in a competitive environment where every detail counts.