How to Achieve Proper Grocery Store Lighting

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Have you ever stopped to notice the rich colors and near perfect appearance of produce, meats, and display cases in grocery stores? Next time you are shopping, stop and take a look at these displays and notice what many already have. This appearance is thanks, in large part, to one small change that grocers have implemented: a proper design for their grocery store lighting.

Lighting education

Did you know that light is color? The visible part of the color spectrum covers a wavelength range from about 380nm to 780nm. Due to the fact that the human eye regards the blue/red portion of the spectrum as “darker,” general-purpose lamps are often designed to focus in the green/yellow portion to give the appearance of brightness in lighting. Utilizing the full range of the spectrum may improve grocery store lighting. Although including the darker colors in lighting may give off the perception of less brightness, the colors appear more vivid.

Lighting goals

A successful lighting design hinges on the quantity and quality of illumination. It is important to consider what you hope to accomplish when lighting displays. Keep the following goals in mind when creating your ideal grocery lighting:

  • Creating a bright and open store appearance
  • Providing a visually comfortable environment
  • Using accent lighting appropriately
  • Lowering maintenance and energy costs
  • Improving product appearance and shelf life
LED versus fluorescent lighting

Most grocers use two main types of lighting in their stores: LED or fluorescent bulbs. When illuminating display cases such as those for meat, deli, bakery, floral, seafood, etc., carefully consider which type of lighting best suits your needs. While fluorescent lighting is cheaper, LED lighting saves energy and replicates true colors with greater accuracy. It is important to remember that while LED bulbs do last longer, they are also more expensive. Although the initial cost is greater, many grocers are switching to LED bulbs such as those sold by Promolux LED. This is in spite of the added initial expense, but why? The reason: such lighting can reduce servicing and maintenance costs associated with traditional lighting systems. In addition, fresh products last longer, appear fresher, and cause less shrinkage.

Sensitive food products

It is important to maintain the quality of sensitive products. This helps eliminate the potential of waste and reduce lost profit.  Using the correct lighting is especially imperative within grocery store meat display cases and other display cases that house perishable items. Thanks to a proprietary, Balanced Spectrum coating process, the shelf life of fresh produce can be extended. This type of lighting product also allows for less merchandise shrinkage. As a result, these items are more palatable and attractive to customers. This may lead to produce selling in a timelier manner, potentially reducing waste and increasing profits.

When considering grocery store lighting keep your goals, lighting types, and sensitive products in mind. Take advantage of knowledge about light and color to improve a store’s look with minimal effort. Ensuring the proper design of your store’s lighting will yield the best possible results for your business.