By Jo Harding
Introduction
Retail has always been one of the -if not No.1 -fastest moving sectors linked to the lighting industry. And 2025 is set to be the year when, according to Forbes ‘science fiction meets shopping reality’. Much of this AI-driven technology is changing the face of digital shopping and personalising the experience of shoppers both online and instore. For me and many of you who are passionate about (and worrying about..) the environment; one of the positive moves by some retailers is increased transparency about their supply chains. This is a clever move as it allows them to justify their larger price tags for responsible sourcing. This is of benefit as it offers higher profitability and raises brand profile. But it also encourages other less reputable retailers to recognize that sustainability is now a top factor in purchasing decisions. I was more than pleasantly surprised to hear that consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products despite the cost-of-living crisis:
‘Consumers are increasingly prioritising sustainability in their consumption practices, as almost nine-in-ten (85%) say they are experiencing the disruptive impacts of climate change in their lives. 46% say they are buying more sustainable products as a way to reduce their impact on the environment.’ (PWC -sources link below).
Retail trends
Coming back to the physical world of retail, for us lighting boffs, here are 4 immerging trends we have pinpointed:
- Sustainable visual merchandising-amongst other benefits retailers can attract a growing segment of eco-aware shoppers and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. One of the most suitable ways to light sustainable visual merchandising is through the use of localized lighting. Localized lighting enables light to be applied exactly where it’s needed. It is one of the most effective ways of reducing energy consumption as outlined in LG17 Lighting for Retail Premises 2018. Other sustainable measures include the use of recycled materials in the manufacture of luminaires. Organic materials like wood or bamboo are being used in some product designs which helps draw in the eco shopper profile.
- Experiential and Immersive Displays- this creates a strong emotional connection between the customer and the brand, encouraging them to spend more time exploring. Lighting helps create immersive experiences; Through the use of coloured light and/or dynamic light retailers can emotionally engage customers.
- Personalisation- personalised fixtures enhance the shopping experience by making customers feel valued and understood. Lighting can help create a bespoke shopping experience with customized product designs to reflect and enhance the brand experience.
- Pop-Up Displays- provide the ability to keep the store layout fresh and dynamic, attracting repeat customers and increasing foot traffic. Retailers can quickly respond to market trends and consumer demands. The use of plug and play flexible lighting systems can be cleverly integrated into Pop up designs, becoming part of the display and point of sale.
It will be interesting to see how we, in the lighting world, respond to these trends. I think we’re already well on the way….
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