Student Design Competitions

There are some really great competitions going on right now for design students! Competitions are a great way to not only see how your skills compare to other students' around the country, but to begin getting your name out there in an industry that is very competitive.

So if you are a undergrad student currently enrolled in an Interior Design or a related college program, and are interested in the possibility of winning a little exposure (and prize money--that never hurts, right??), check out a few of these competitions!

1. IIDA Student Sustainable Design Competition
"The competition celebrates original sustainable design and rewards those individuals whose projects demonstrate consistent, creative sustainable principles."

Submission Deadline: November 15, 2012
Official rules and entry here.

2. PAVE the Way 3D Design Challenge 
"PAVE the Way, a 3D Design Challenge is an exciting opportunity available for students internationally to showcase their work at a major industry event, GlobalShop 2013."

The Challenge: "Design and create a 3D model or rendering of a store fixture that communicated an existing brand of headphone."

Submission Deadline: November 16, 2012
Official rules and entry here.

3. PAVE Student Design Competition
"The competition's design challenges consist of a visual merchandising category and a store design category and provide an excellent opportunity for students to obtain real-life retail design experience."

Visual Merchandising Challenge: "To create a window display AND entry merchandiser that successfully communicate the Bonobos brand."

Store Design Challenge: "To create a “pop-up” shop that successfully communicates the Bonobos brand."

Submission Deadline: November 1, 2012
Official rules and entry here.  

4. ASID Student Design Competition: Repurpose for Today
"How can you, as a designer, create an environment that helps address a current social crisis?

The Challenge: "Scour the media to come up with a social issue on which you think you can make an impact. Then find a building, trailer, bus, train or other environment that you can use to address and transform the social issue by repurposing for today. Utilize creative and critical thinking skills to develop an informed design." 

Submission Deadline: November 15, 2012
Official rules and entry here.

sources: one . two . three . four

Space Saving Furniture

I live in a small house--and when I say small, I mean it. We've got a downstairs with very little space division, a lofted upstairs, and two very, very small closets where I have to shove what seems like every possession we have into on a regular basis. To be perfectly clear, we need more space--or we need less stuff, whichever. Regardless, when I received an email from my boss recently about a new line of multipurpose, space saving furniture, it got me thinking about all the possibilities small spaces hold if a little forethought is put into their design and furnishings. Whether you are dealing with a small residence, office, or retail space, there are countless space saving ideas and fixtures that will meet a number of needs--all in one compact package.

Let's take a look at a few of my favorites...and I don't know about you, but many of these made me think, "well duh, why didn't I think of that??"

1. Boxetti

Designed by Rolands Landsbergs, each modules "is designed to achieve maximum efficiency of particular demands for functionality and suitability," and boy, does it look good doing it. I love the modern look and clean lines of this collection--from the office, to the bedroom, to the kitchen, this line can make even the smallest spaces functional. Check out the full collection here.

2. Club

Created by Daniel Debiasi and Federico Sandri for the German manufacturer Schönbuch, this space saving mirror/wardrobe combo would be perfect in a small home or clothing store.

 

3. As if from nowhere...

Designed by Orla Reynolds, I can think of countless places that this piece would be useful, i.e. my own home! A fully functional bookcase discreetly houses two tables and four chairs, making the need to worry about unexpected guests a thing of the past.

4. Minuetto Space-Saving Table

Produced by Italian manufacturer Milano Smart Living, this piece is great for anyone living in tight quarters. "It starts out as a console table but quickly transforms into a large dining table big enough to seat 10 people"--um, what?! That, my friends, is good engineering.

5. Folditure Leaf Chair

Created by architect Alexander Gendell, this chair folds to less than 3/4" thick and can be hung in a closet when not in use. With an aluminum composite frame and sturdy mesh seat, this durable chair is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

6. Twin Chair

This chair, designed by Philippe Nigro, is a clever two-in-one deal that allows a person to use the chairs stacked, or two people to use them separated--great for times when you need extra seating but can't afford to have chairs taking up space on a full-time basis.

Are you a small space dweller? Do you have a piece of space-saving furniture that has made your life a little easier? Leave a comment and let us know!

sources: one . two . three . four . five . six . seven . eight . nine . ten . eleven

Retail Security Solutions

Working in the retail fixture industry, Advanced Cabinet Systems fulfills numerous requests from customers wanting their displays to be as secure as possible. Would-be thieves are getting craftier and often times it seems that if a product is not nailed down, there is the potential that it will grow legs and walk right out of your store. If your security devices can be picked, cut, deactivated, or broken off, someone will find a way--resulting in a loss of profit for your business and loads of frustration for you.

In order to offer our customers the best security devices to meet an ever-growing list of needs, we try to stay as up to date as possible on what the market has to offer. Below are a few of our go-to products that we have found to be reliable options for combating retail theft. This may seem like a paid advertisement for one company, but trust me it's not, we just really like their products!

1. Invue Series 1000 Impact Display Stands

These stands feature an internal recoil mechanism that returns the product to the display position each time it is handled. It also has a built-in alarm that will sound if the device is disconnected from the stand--and speaking from experience, it is a loud alarm that no one in the store is going to miss! These stands provide users with a lot of flexibility, giving them the option to secure dummy phones, charge live phones, or provide customers with an interactive display that is triggered when the device is lifted from the base.

2. Invue Locking Gridwall Hooks

 

Many of our customers stock their accessories on grid wall panels, and these locking hooks from Invue are a great way to keep products secure, while still being quick and easy for employees to remove when necessary. 

3. Vanguard Cell Phone Security Stands

Similar to the Invue stands above, Vanguard Products Group offers a wide range of security options for hand held devices, tablets, and accessories. These devices offer the same user-friendly options when it comes to displaying products, while providing peace of mind that items are safe and secure.

4. Invue Cabinet Lock

Invue cabinet locks are great choice for retailers looking to retrofit existing cabinetry--with no tools or drilling required, installation is a snap. This lock features PowerTouch technology that transfers power from the key to the lock, meaning you will never have to worry about replacing batteries, providing years of worry-free security.

5. Invue LTO2 Tablet Security

New to Invue, this product can power up any tablet on the market while keeping it secure and functional when on display. The display stand allows the product to be mounted either vertically or horizontally, while remaining virtually invisible from the front--keeping product displays clean and uncluttered.

A large portion of my design work is geared toward the technology industry and I realize that is where most of these security solutions would be most useful. So, I would love to hear from you--what kind of security measures do you take to ensure that your merchandise doesn't fall prey to sticky fingers?

sources: one . two . three . four . five

Book Stores in the Digital Age

A quick Google search on the “future of bookstores” brings up countless articles written over the past couple of years by bloggers, bookstore owners, news outlets, and vendors, each one with a unique opinion on how they think these establishments will look in the coming years. With the popularity of eReaders on the rise, as well as the closing of several of the largest bookstore chains in the country, there is no question that the face of bookstores is changing and retailers must either change with it or be prepared to close their doors in the coming years.
One trend that has been gaining attention in recent months is the Espresso Book Machine (EBM), which allows bookstores to access a large database of written works and print them in-house as needed.1 This allows owners to increase their inventory without the actual investment of having to stock physical copies in-store.4 Proponents of this machine argue that this not only eliminates the waste associated with overprinting, but lowers the cost of each book for the end user by reducing expenses associated with shipping and storing large inventories.1 Prices are also lowered as bookstores are able to essentially cut out the middle-man, i.e. printers and distributors, and sell directly to the customer. In a college bookstore setting, EBM would give educators the freedom to quickly change and update course material, giving students access to the most current information in their field while saving them the expense of having to purchase multiple editions of the same textbook.3

While the above facts would be enough to get many people on board with the Espresso Book Machine’s capabilities, there are a few things that potential buyers need to keep in mind before taking the plunge. The start-up cost associated with purchasing a single machine is significant, with some sources placing it in the $100k range.2 Pair this initial investment with the high cost of operating and staffing the machine and there-in lies the potential that EBM owners will not turn a profit for upwards of four years. Opponents of the EBM also reference the ability of express print shops, such as Fed Ex Office and Staples, to print and bind individual copies of books on machines that are currently found in their stores. Although these print-and-go locations currently do not have access to the extensive database provided by EBM, South African based Paperight is working to change that by connecting customers who want to purchase books with publishers who are interested in selling their products via local print shops.

Another book buying method that analysts believe will continue to gain speed is the eReader. With several versions already on the market today, Amazon is leading the way with their Kindle and Kindle Fire, with Barnes and Noble’s Nook quickly gaining ground. While many believe that eReaders will be the demise of the printed book industry, a few visionary booksellers are embracing these devices and their potential to increase sales with open arms. Google eBooks is partnering with independent bookstores across the nation, allowing customers to purchase e-books via a link on the store’s website with retailers receiving a 20-40% kickback on the profits.6  

With digital editions of textbooks now being introduced on a regular basis, campus bookstores would also be wise to jump on board with the eReader movement, renting devices to students that come preloaded with all of the course material for their current semester. Bookstore staff would then handle the transfer of information as a student progresses from class to class.3 This business model has been met with success at a library in Eau Claire, Wisconsin that lends out iPads to its cardholders, and there are an additional 11,000 libraries in the United States that allow patrons to borrow Kindle ebooks.5

If booksellers are not yet ready to dive into the world of digital books, there are numerous other measures that can be implemented into their day to day workings that are both low cost and high yield strategies to increase customer interaction. A functional website and Facebook account are easy ways to get your store’s name out there. An effective website will afford customers the opportunity to browse your inventory and allow them to purchase books for pick up in-store. Due to the often vast offerings of today’s bookstores, it is also a good idea to provide on-location access to your website and inventory to those patrons who may find such a large selection of books to be overwhelming.8 Incentive programs that give discounts to repeat customers can also be a low cost method of drumming up extra sales.4

In many communities, bookstores are seen as community centers where people gather to discuss, create, and listen. Organizing simple events such as monthly movie nights, game nights, and lectures from prominent members of the community will offer ways to stay connected with patrons.5 Other events might include book signings with well-known authors, poetry readings, art exhibits, or an open mic night.8 Keeping the surrounding community involved and engaged with your bookstore is paramount in making sure it does not go the way of record shops and video rental stores of the past.

The ability to celebrate holidays is one advantage that brick and mortar stores will always have over internet-based businesses. Shoppers are often sentimental when it comes to the changing of seasons and something as simple as putting out a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils (a la You’ve Got Mail) for Back to School days or stringing a few twinkly lights (again, thank you Kathleen Kelly) for the holidays can make a huge difference in the mood of both your store employees and shoppers. Make your stores a haven for people to visit when they want to escape the fast pace of society.

As the need for physical books decreases in the coming years, bookstores will become smaller and more efficient9, allowing shop owners to allocate more money toward making sure their interior design and promotional displays are top notch. Many independent bookstores today often do not meet their full operating potential by ignoring the fact that their store fronts are a place for them to paint a picture of the magic that can be found just inside their doors.8 A few pillars displaying the latest books in print simply will not cut it—draw the casual passerby in with a fascinating window display and keep them coming back with a beautifully designed, well thought out space. Customers will appreciate comfortable areas throughout the store where they can gather in groups or get lost in a book by themselves. No one ever complained about free Wi-Fi or a coffee bar either!6

While it appears that companies such as Amazon, with their low prices and fast service, may indeed do away with the need for physical bookstores, there are still countless people who argue that the human need for the community that such a place offers will eventually prevail. People have the built in desire to interact with others and bookstores are a place where they can meet, learn, and discuss new ideas.7 Many book lovers will also agree that the experience of pulling a new book off the shelf and holding a physical copy in your hands cannot be matched by the low prices of Amazon or the instant satisfaction of downloading a book to your eReader at home. Bookstores help to enrich to lives of people that live in the communities where they are located and as the “buy local” movement sweeps across the nation, brick and mortar stores will be where people gravitate.6 In turn, owners need to make sure they are doing everything in their power to make their stores the best that they can be.

The importance of integrating technology, organizing community events, or decorating your store windows and interior cannot be stressed enough, but all of the effort that a store owner puts towards these things will be in vain if they have an inexperienced and incapable staff manning the sales floor. For many people, the reason they shop at bookstores instead of online is for the expertise of the owner and staff.3 It is vital to staff your stores with people who are passionate about books and are capable of making suggestions to customers about what they should read. In this day in age where online, shoppers are inundated with rating and reviews written by people they will never meet, it is a breath of fresh air to get an honest opinion from someone they can actually see. Owners must realize the important role that customer service plays in the survival of the brick and mortar bookstore.6 

While no one really knows for sure the direction that physical bookstores are headed until a major shift takes place, many people are making their predictions on the future that booksellers can expect to encounter in the coming years. One of them is David Houle, a strategist and keynote speaker who is consistently ranked as one of the top futurists. Houle believes that by the year 2015, the majority of books will be read via eReaders, adding, that as technology continues to get less expensive, the profit margin for these devices will disappear. By 2020, he believes that brick and mortar stores selling new books will be obsolete as new works are consumed almost entirely through digital readers. Houle also predicts that the bookstores capable of surviving the digital era will primarily sell used books as people will desire to have physical copies of those works that are sentimental to them.9

As bookstore owners are faced with the undeniable potential that their shops could suffer the same fate as the once thriving video rental business, they can take heart in the fact that there are still numerous strategies that can be implemented to keep their stores viable and relevant in the changing times. Engaging customers through community-based events, creating marketing strategies to reach a broader audience, embracing the ever-changing world of technology, and providing valuable customer service are just a few steps that can be taken toward ensuring that bookstores remain an essential component of the retail landscape.

What will the bookstore of the future look like? With owners that are forward thinking and willing to adapt, the possibilities are endless. 

sources: 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8 . 9
pictures: one . two . three . four . five . six

Selecting Flooring and Paint

Flooring and paint selection are two elements of retail design that when chosen correctly can save you a lot of headache down the road. It is important to specify finishes that are commercial grade and will hold up well in a retail setting. While the initial investment for commercial materials may be higher, the cost will eventually even out--and in some cases even be lower--in comparison to purchasing non-commercial grade products, as they will often need replaced sooner. This is a key component in making sure the money you spend upfront implementing your design is not wasted on fixtures and finishes that are not meant to withstand retail traffic. The materials you choose should not only look and function well, but have minimal maintenance requirements.

Flooring

There are several things to consider when choosing flooring for your store...

1. What kind of mood are you trying to set? Commercial flooring companies now offer their products in a wide range of colors and materials. Gone are the days of traditional floors in neutral colors, as designers are making flooring an important part of the design concept with bold colors and patterns.
   
   
   
2. How much foot traffic will the flooring get? Durability is vital in choosing a commercial grade floor covering as the product will often need to withstand a large number of customers each day. If possible, choose a flooring that is easy to clean and hides dirt and scuffs well. Consider investing in carpet tiles--as individual squares can quickly be replaced should the need arise--but make sure to purchase enough replacements from your original dye-lot as colors can often vary from one lot to the next.
   
   
   
3. How much standing will my employees and customers do? If the answer is a lot, it is important to choose a material that will help to reduce fatigue and potential leg and back pain. As a general rule, the less amount of give that a surface has, the harder it will be on your joints. Choosing a softer flooring with a little bit of give to it will greatly benefit employees that need to stand all day. If you are dead set on having, say, exposed concrete floors, do your employees and customers a favor by adding anti-fatigue mats in areas that they will be standing at most throughout the day. Trust me, they will thank you!
   
   
   
4. Is noise an issue? If so, stick with softer finishes that will absorb the sound of footsteps or invest in a good underlay that will help quiet walking noise on laminate or hardwood floors.
   
   

Paint

Paint comes in a wide variety of finishes that can either work for you or against you. Choosing the correct finish for your walls and fixtures will ensure that they are easy to clean and will not need repeated touch ups or repaints that are both time consuming and costly.

1. Matte/Flat: This is the least glossy finish which makes it a great choice for covering existing wall colors or hiding imperfections. It is very susceptible to stains and scuff marks and does not hold up well against scrubbing, therefore it is best applied to ceilings and low traffic areas. 
2. Eggshell and Satin: These finishes have a hint of glossiness compared to flat, with satin being the glossier of the two. They are durable and easy to clean making them a good choice for walls in nearly every type of setting. 
3. Semi-Gloss: Even glossier than eggshell and satin, this finish offers great durability in high-traffic areas that will receive heavy cleaning regularly. Semi-gloss is a great choice for cabinets and trim, as well as high moisture areas such as restrooms and kitchens. 
4. Gloss: Drying to create an almost laminate-like surface that is extremely durable, this finish is not typically used in interiors. 

sources: one . two . three . four . five

Chicago NeoCon 2012

By: Anna, ACS Intern


Located at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago, NeoCon is North America's largest design exposition and conference for commercial interiors. This year's event was my first chance to attend this incredible expo as a student designer. I was able to see thousands of innovative products and resources for all areas of commercial design. With more than seven hundred showrooms it was overwhelming, but there was so much to discover and learn. 

Arriving at NeoCon, the show room I was most interested in seeing was that of Herman Miller--I had a feeling their products would be presented in a beautiful and grand way and they did not disappoint. Along with the presentation of their newest concepts and designs, there was an excellent exhibit depicting the work of Alexander Girard. Girard was the Director of Design in the textile division at Herman Miller and held this position from the early fifties to the late seventies. His timeless designs were featured throughout the show room on artwork and upholstery displaying his ever modern work. 

The vast number of showrooms and products presented at NeoCon is far too much information to process in two days, and though much what I saw remains a blur, there were some specific trends that stood out to me: 

The first trend was felt. I have never seen this material incorporated into any commercial interiors, but at NeoCon felt was applied to flooring, furniture, acoustical panels, and numerous other products. Its use seemed limited only by the designer's imagination. FilzFelt is a distributer of wool design felt, and was the featured provider in several of the show rooms utilizing the material. The FilzFelt company has a large focus on custom fabrications in both the commercial and residential markets. 

Another trend that stood out was the repeated use of white boards within work spaces. While this is not a foreign idea to most collaborative work environments, I saw it used in several unique and innovative ways. Idea Paint was featured in several show rooms for their white board wall covering. They provide a finish that can be applied over any paint color, turning the space into a collaborative one. This is a creative way to encourage your employees to work together that is low cost and has little impact on the environment.  

A concept that was prevalent throughout the show was "more talk, less technology". This is the idea that technology has taken over social interaction and we need more face to face discussion and collaboration within the office in order to grow more complex, innovative ideas. This theme was largely reflected in the product design throughout several of the showrooms, and products such as Buzzy Booth’s, as well as collaborative work stations by Herman Miller and Hon all supported this movement back to literal collaboration.

NeoCon not only had great things to observe, but excellent hands on activities as well. At the ASID (American Society of Interior Design) booth there was an opportunity to design a pair of TOMS shoes that would later be distributed to children in need within the Chicago area. After hearing about this activity I could not pass up the opportunity and was able to design a small pair of shoes for a young boy. It was touching to see so many skilled designers coming together around a common cause and doing something to help those in the city around us. 

My experience at NeoCon was a great one. As I learned and observed throughout my two days there, I gained knowledge about products, companies, and materials that I will be able to apply in my future designs. My experience left me wanting to come back for more and I will surely be there next summer to do it all again at NeoCon 2013.

  

Space Planning

In continuing our series on retail design, this week I thought we would take a look at a few ways to optimize your retail space. Whether you run a small specialty boutique or a large discount warehouse, it is important to consider customer flow and product placement in order to utilize the space to its full potential and help drive sales.

There are three areas that are important to keep in mind when you are planning the layout of your store:

1. Entrance
2. Sales floor
3. Check out area

Specialty retail is a very competitive field and with so many other stores vying for a shopper's attention it is important to have an enticing entrance. Well executed window displays will often give a customer a nice glimpse of what they can expect to see in your store. Once you get their attention, it is important that the entrance be spacious to avoid the bottleneck effect that comes with funneling too many customers through an opening that is too small. While it may make sense to place your best products at the entrance, research done by Envirosell, a company that studies customer behavior, have shown that these items often get overlooked by shoppers eager to get inside the store. As people have the natural tendency to go right when they enter a space, better placement for these products would be about 15 steps in on the right side. This will allow the customer enough time to gain their bearings of the space and begin the shopping process.

When laying out the sales floor, it is important to consider the main circulation path that customers will take as they walk through the space. A well thought out path will lead shoppers through the most important departments of the store and prevent areas from being under-shopped. The type of circulation path that you use will depend on what your store is selling, but it ultimately comes down to making people comfortable as they shop in your store. If a shopper is confused and overwhelmed by your space, it is likely that they will turn around and walk out pretty quickly, leading to a lost potential sale. Customers that are engaged and find it easy to locate the products they are looking for will often shop longer and purchase more.

While there are a number of circulation path layouts that can be utilized, here are a few of the most common:

• Pathway: This plan is great for clothing stores, as it easily moves the customer toward the back of the store on a path that is unobstructed by fixtures.
• Hub and Spoke: This plan features a clear anchor point with pathways branching off into various areas of the store.
• Varied: This plan works well in stores that primarily display their products on the wall, such as shoe and jewelry/accessory stores. It draws attention to special displays areas and showcases wall displays.
• Straight: This plan leads the customer to the back of the store by dividing main areas with walls to display merchandise, making it great for a variety of stores.
• Loop: This plan works great for grocery stores, as it leads the customer through all of the major areas of the store and encourages impulse shopping.

The circulation path you choose will often dictate where you place your check out area. Customers should have a clear understanding of where they need to go to complete their purchase, and in many cases, it is important to provide a sense of privacy during the transaction. As technology continues to evolve, many retailers are moving away from providing a physical cash wrap to complete the sale and equipping their sales team with hand held devices capable of doing the job of a traditional cash register--and often faster. This allows associates to move freely about the store, making them more accessible to the customer.

A few more things to consider during the space planning process...

1. Pace: In order for a customer to enjoy their experience at your store, they must be the one to set the pace at which they shop. Providing areas for customers who wish to shop longer and at a slower pace, as well as accommodations for those that need to get in and out of the store quickly, will ensure that everyone is satisfied.

2. Product Placement: The placement of merchandise throughout your store must make sense to your customer. However, what makes sense to one person may not make sense to the next and this is where cross merchandising--placing the same product in different areas throughout the store--helps to make products easy to find while decreasing customer confusion (and frustration).

3. Building Codes: As building codes can vary significantly from one city to the next, it is important to know the codes in your area before investing valuable time and money into a space plan that doesn't meet all of the requirements.

4. Market: Know the market you are trying to reach and set a limit on how much product you will display at any given time. Crowded stores often reflect lower prices, while fewer products on display typically gives a higher-end feel.

5. Flexibility: Make a plan that is flexible and can be changed around easily without tearing the entire store apart. This will not only save your staff time but will also save you money.

6. Privacy: Give your customers enough room to move. Avoid stressful situations for your shoppers by providing space that is out of the flow of traffic where they can make buying decisions without being interrupted.

What tips do you have on creating a successful retail space plan? Have you found that a particular type of circulation path leads to increased sales? Let us know in the comments below!

sources: one.two.three.four.five.six

Lighting 101

The design department at Advanced Cabinet Systems is currently in the process of creating a totally new—and awesome (in my unbiased opinion)—look for one of our biggest clients. We are extremely excited about the direction it is headed and can't wait to see the first store installed! As we wrap up the design process, I thought it would only be fitting to put together a mini-series on the ins and outs of successful retail design.

 

This week, I will begin with lighting. Unfortunately, this is often one of the most overlooked and under-budgeted aspects of retail design, but let’s face it people, it is so important. Let me reiterate, lighting can make or break your design. A well thought out lighting plan needs to be at the forefront of your design process, not tacked on the backend and thrown together simply to serve the purpose of providing light for a room.

While every space will present a unique set of lighting challenges, there are 3 basic aspects that should be worked into your lighting plan.

1.  Ambient Lighting

2.  Task Lighting

3.  Accent Lighting

Ambient lighting, also known as general lighting, provides the overall illumination for the space. The level of these lights should be bright enough to allow customers to walk safely through the store, but at a comfortable level to avoid creating a glare.

Task lighting is used to make intricate tasks, such as reading price tags or ringing up a customer’s purchase, easier for both employees and shoppers. Adequate task lighting should allow these activities to be completed quickly, while minimizing mistakes.

Accent lighting draws attention to special product displays and promotions, helping to communicate the store image. A good rule of thumb when planning for accent lighting is that the product you are showcasing will typically require a minimum of five times the amount of lighting to adequately set it apart from its surroundings. Higher ratios are used for feature displays or to add sparkle to jewelry and crystal, these can range anywhere from 15:1-30:1. Also keep in mind that accent lighting requires a lot of flexibility, making track lighting a perfect choice when the time comes to choose your lighting fixtures. 

If you are wanting to take your lighting plan to the next level and add even more depth and personality than the above categories can accomplish, consider adding the following lighting fixtures to your space...

1.  Perimeter Lighting

2.  Decorative Lighting

Perimeter lighting draws shoppers away from the main aisle and into the areas where merchandise is located. It improves visibility around the edges of the store, while adding to the overall comfort and ambiance of the location, both of which directly correlate with a customer’s desire to shop longer. Perimeter lighting can be achieved by recessing fixtures in a ceiling cove or positioning light sources close to the wall.

Decorative lighting adds a home-like quality and comfort to a retail space, helping to put customers at ease while also encouraging them to stay longer. This type of lighting can go far in communicating the store brand’s image to the customer by adding a unique style to the space. Lighting fixtures that fit into this category include pendants, sconces, chandeliers, lighted signage/graphics, and table and floor lamps.

As I mentioned earlier, each store presents its own unique set of lighting challenges but knowing what general category your store falls into will help you better access the lighting requirements of the space.

Category A: Large stores with high ceilings. This can include warehouses, discount merchants, and supermarkets. These types of spaces require a bright, uniform distribution of light that allows for easy navigation of the space.

Category B: Large open spaces, including department stores, specialty shops, life style shops, and higher end discount merchants. These stores offer more specialized, yet still competitively priced, products compared to Category A, and it is within these locations that you will begin seeing different layers of light that give the impression of a higher end shopping experience.

Category C: Smaller, upscale specialty shops, fine jewelry, and designer boutiques. These retailers require a unique presentation of their lighting in order to draw customers in and through their store. These locations often feature lower levels of light that provide the shopper with a more personal, home-like atmosphere.

Okay, now that we have covered the basics of lighting design, let’s take a look at a few tips and mistakes to avoid when lighting your retail environment.

Layer lighting where it counts.

If you are not working with a huge lighting budget, make sure you are getting the biggest bang for your buck by creating an attractively lit environment in areas that feature your money making items. A good example of this concept at work is in Macy’s department stores. Their designer labels, specifically in the women’s department, as well as their makeup and accessory areas feature beautiful lighting schemes that are multi-layered and very effective at creating a high end feel. Their children and teen areas are then lit with adequate ambient lighting and may feature the occasional accent lighting. While this may not create the most attractive environment throughout these departments, Macy’s has identified its best selling products and chosen to focus the majority of resources to those areas.

Make sure spotlights shine on the product and not in the customer’s eyes.

During a recent trip to the mall (let’s call it a research trip), I noticed multiple offenders of this mistake. It is a simple yet effective fix in your lighting design that will only add to the comfort of your customers.

Be careful not to over (or under) light your store.

While walking through the mall it was very obvious which stores were lacking in the lighting design department. The ones that were over lit somehow seemed to scream “cheap merchandise inside”, while those that were under lit felt a little too depressing. While I know that there are several shops that use bright or dim lighting schemes to appeal to a particular customer base, what I’m really trying to get across here is that it is obvious when a retailer has their branding in mind, or when poor lighting is a result of a lack of planning.

The color temperature of your lights is important.

Define what your brand hopes to communicate to the customer and then choose your lights accordingly. Are you trying to create a cozy, comfortable atmosphere? Warm light sources mixed with low levels of ambient light and high intensity accent lights are what you need. Does your store sell a wide selection of primarily low price goods? If so, stick with cool light temperatures as they communicate to the customer that they are getting a bargain. Along with color temperature, it is important that your lights are high enough on the Color Rendering Index for customers not only to be able to see a product’s fine details, but to clearly identify it from a distance.

While any lighting designer would tell you there is a great deal more that goes into creating a successful lighting plan, the above elements should give you a good start to creating a beautifully lit retail environment.

How much attention do you pay to a store’s lighting? Does it affect your desire to shop at certain retailers?

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