Knowledge ·
Planning retail lighting in five steps
A practical sequence from zoning to aiming — the order we use when we turn a store plan into a luminaire schedule.
1. Zone the plan
Mark entrance and window, feature displays, wall bays, central tables, fitting rooms and cash desk. Each zone gets a target illuminance and accent ratio.
2. Set the general level
Keep it modest — 300–500 lx for most fashion and lifestyle stores. A low general level makes accents work with less power.
3. Place the accents
Wall bays: spotlights or wall-wash modules at 1.0–1.5 m from the wall. Tables: one or two spotlights each. Window: the highest accent ratio in the store, because it competes with daylight.
4. Choose colour
One colour temperature per zone, CRI 90 minimum, R9 checked for products where red matters. Specify ≤ 3 SDCM across the project.
5. Calculate and aim
Run the photometric calculation with the real luminaire data (IES or LDT), then produce an aiming list for installation. Re-check after the first merchandise is in place — the products change the result.