Retail Lighting: Compliance that Sells
In retail, lighting is your silent salesman. Correct compliance doesn’t just pass inspections; it renders colours accurately, guides customers, and reduces overheads.
The Importance of CRI
For retail, Colour Rendering Index (CRI) is the most critical metric after safety. Standard LEDs (CRI 80) can make red clothes look brown or fresh produce look dull.
Retail compliance guidelines recommend CRI 90+ for any area where customers evaluate products. This ensures the item looks the same in the shop as it does in natural daylight, reducing returns and boosting sales.
Retail Lux Levels
| Area | Lux (Ēm) | UGR | Ra (CRI) | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Sales Area | 300-500 lux | 22 | 80+ | Ambient navigation light. |
| Till / Counter Area | 500 lux | 19 | 80 | Critical for transaction accuracy. |
| Changing Rooms | 300 lux | 22 | 90+ | Vertical lighting on mirrors (flattering). |
| Feature Displays | 1000+ lux | – | 90+ | Accent lighting to draw attention. |
| Window Displays | 1500-2500 lux | – | 90+ | Combat daylight reflection. |
Energy Efficiency & Heat
Retail lights run for 12+ hours a day. Old Halogen or Metal Halide spots not only cost a fortune in electricity but also generate immense heat, forcing air conditioning to work harder.
Switching to LED track lighting reduces energy load by up to 80% and drastically cuts thermal output, protecting delicate stock (like chocolate or cosmetics) from melting or fading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Accent Factor”?
To make a product stand out, it must be significantly brighter than the background. A ratio of 3:1 is a minimum accent, while 10:1 creates drama. If your general store is too bright (e.g. 800 lux), it becomes impossible to accent products without blinding customers.