What interesting new trends do you see when it comes to store lighting?

In the last couple of years, it has been fascinating to see how every store is trying to define its uniqueness through exterior and interior lighting design. I think the different mediums and strategies being used for lighting have emerged as a defining trend for the retail industry. This includes ambient lighting, warm temperature lights, and different fixtures for day and night.

As brands are focusing more on the idea of a sustainable future, lighting automation has been playing a vital role in that too, saving energy and providing good control over thousands of light points in large retail stores. Automation also allows brands to change light temperatures as per the requirement and adjust to daylight requirements too.

The field of store lighting has also seen remarkable advancements in recent years, with several interesting new technologies emerging. As a firm dedicated to human-centric design, we find it truly exhilarating to witness the emergence of upcoming technologies in lighting design that are centered around enriching the customer experience. These advancements focus on transforming artificial light into a warm and ambient source, creating an environment that resonates harmoniously with individuals. Some of these are:

Human-Centric Lighting: Human-centric lighting systems adjust the intensity and color temperature of artificial light throughout the day, aligning with the body's circadian rhythm and positively impacting mood and alertness.

Tunable White Lighting: Tunable white lighting allows for the adjustment of color temperature, ranging from warm to cool light, to suit different environments and activities. It is particularly useful in retail settings where different areas may require varying lighting atmospheres, such as highlighting products or creating a calming ambience in certain sections.

Wireless Lighting Controls: Wireless lighting control systems enable easy management and adjustment of lighting settings. Through wireless technologies such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, retailers can control and customize lighting levels, and color temperatures, and even change lighting scenes or effects remotely using smart devices.

IoT Integration: The integration of lighting with the Internet of Things (IoT) opens up exciting possibilities for enhanced store experiences. Lighting systems can be connected to sensors, beacons, or other IoT devices, enabling features like personalized lighting based on customer preferences, location-based promotions, and real-time analytics to optimize energy consumption and customer flow.

Gesture and Proximity Sensors: Sensors can be integrated into lighting fixtures to detect customer presence and movement. Gesture sensors enable touchless control, allowing customers to interact with lighting or adjust settings with simple hand gestures. Proximity sensors can trigger lighting changes as customers move through different areas of the store, enhancing the overall shopping experience.

These are just a few examples of the interesting new technologies being used in-store lighting. 

What are the creative possibilities with lighting in a store project? Any interesting examples you can share?

We believe that the essence of a brand unfolds through the narrative woven into the immersive store experience it offers. The ambience of the store experience relies not only on the careful selection of lighting, but also on factors such as the temperature of lights chosen, material choices, strategic placement, and numerous other elements that intertwine harmoniously. 

For example, for The Vines Café project designed by PAV Design Lab, in Meerut U.P., the whole idea was to provide a warm, backyard kind of feeling hence lights played a very important role in maintaining a lux level that could a similar cozy for all age groups. 

We tried to achieve a perfect balance of light and dark in the interiors.

In the case of SAMOH store in Lucknow, U.P, meticulous consideration was given to the lighting selection, ensuring proper illumination of the 4-meter high space. The spatial arrangement of light played a crucial role in this store, strategically highlighting the garments without the need for direct focused lights. This approach resulted in an evenly illuminated space that effectively accentuates the prominence of the garments.

What do you look for when you choose a lighting supplier for a store project?

When embarking on a store project, selecting the right lighting supplier is a crucial decision for us, as that can significantly impact the overall success of the venture. To ensure a seamless and captivating store experience, a critical aspect to evaluate is the supplier/vendor's product range and innovation. A diverse selection of high-quality lighting fixtures should be available to suit different areas of the store. Additionally, we need to inquire about their ability to provide customized solutions tailored to our specific needs. We believe that a supplier who embraces innovation and keeps up with the latest lighting technologies will be better equipped to create cutting-edge designs.  It is also important to understand how lighting suppliers can balance cost-effectiveness with the quality of products. They should have varying international and Indian lighting brands so that a variety of quotes can be requested. But we always suggest to our clients to invest in high-quality lighting solutions as it yields long-term benefits.