How to Light a Shop? Lighting Decisions That Affect Sales
Short answer
Retail lighting is built in three layers: uniform general lighting of about 300 lux in the sales area, accent lighting that makes products 3–5 times brighter than their surroundings, and window lighting. To show product colours accurately, CRI 90 or higher is chosen, plus R9 > 50 for products with red tones.
In a shop, light sells as much as the product itself. Customers look at a product first because of the light; they perceive its colour, texture and quality only as far as the light shows them. That is why retail lighting is not a decorative decision but a technical part of the sales area.
Three-layer lighting
| Layer | Purpose | Typical luminaire |
|---|---|---|
| General lighting | Circulation and orientation, an even base level of light | Recessed downlights, linear luminaires |
| Accent lighting | Accents on products, shelves and stands | Adjustable track spotlights, recessed spotlights |
| Window and decorative | Attracting attention from outside, brand identity | Narrow-beam spotlights, concealed LED strip, decorative linear |
Illuminance levels
| Zone | Target | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sales area (general) | 300 lx | Typical EN 12464-1 value, UGR ≤ 22 |
| Checkout | 500 lx | UGR ≤ 19 |
| Accented products and shelves | 3–5 × general | 3:1 noticeable, 5:1 strong accent |
| Shop window | 5–10 × general | Kept high against daylight |
The values in the table are typical targets from EN 12464-1; in a project, the table in the current edition of the standard and the specific conditions of the space should be used.
Colour: CRI, R9 and colour temperature
The most expensive mistake in a shop is a product that looks one colour inside and another outside. The measure of this is the colour rendering index (CRI). CRI 90 or higher is recommended in sales areas. For red tones to look right in meat, delicatessen, textiles and cosmetics, an R9 value of at least 50 should also be required.
| Type of shop | Colour temperature | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing, footwear | 3000K–3500K | CRI 90+, warm but natural |
| Jewellery (gold) | 2700K–3000K | Enriches gold tones |
| Jewellery (diamonds, silver) | 4000K–5000K | Brilliance and whiteness |
| Electronics, technology | 4000K | A clear, modern look |
| Food, bakery | 2700K–3000K | Appetising warm tone, R9 important |
| Supermarket aisles | 3500K–4000K | Balanced and spacious |
Why track spotlights?
In a shop, the product layout changes with the season. Fixed recessed spotlights do not fit the new layout; track spotlights, however, can be slid along the track and re-aimed. With different beam angles (narrow: a single product, medium: shelves, wide: areas) they take on different tasks on the same track.
Common mistakes
- Lighting the whole shop at the same intensity: the eye finds no focus and products do not stand out.
- Cheap low-CRI spotlights: product colours look pale and returns increase.
- Aiming spotlights into the customer's eyes: glare.
- Not calculating the window against daylight: the window looks dark during the day.
- Mixing different colour temperatures without control.
Conclusion
Good retail lighting guides the customer to the product, shows it in the right colour and does not waste energy. If you would like us to prepare a layer-by-layer lighting plan for your shop, take a look at our lighting design service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lux should a shop have?
The typical target for general lighting in the sales area is 300 lux, with 500 lux at the checkout. Accented products and shelves are given 3 to 5 times this value.
Which luminaires are used in retail lighting?
Recessed downlights or linear luminaires for general lighting, adjustable track spotlights for product and shelf accents, narrow-beam spotlights in the window and concealed LED strip inside shelves.
Which colour temperature should a clothing store choose?
Usually 3000K–3500K, a warm tone that does not distort product colours. CRI 90 or higher is essential for products to look right.