Why It Works
Shelf lighting increases sales because it:
- Makes products more visible and attractive, especially in dimly lit aisles.
- Highlights promotions or premium items through contrast.
- Creates a clean, modern look that signals quality and freshness.
- Directs shopper attention to higher-margin products.
Industry Testimonials
- Philips Lighting reported that lighted shelves helped boost sales by up to 12% in refrigerated food and drink sections.
- A 2020 Signify/Interact study showed that LED lighting increased shopper dwell time by up to 20%, often translating into higher sales.
- RetailDesignBlog, referencing case studies, notes that retailers often see payback on lighting investment in 6–12 months due to increased turnover.
Quick ROI Example
Let’s say:
- A store section generates $10,000/month in sales.
- After adding shelf lighting, it sees a 10% lift.
- That’s $1,000/month in added sales or $12,000/year.
With high-efficiency LED shelf lights costing ~$500–$2,000 per aisle (installed), ROI is often achieved in less than a year, especially for high-margin goods like cosmetics, supplements, or premium foods.
Bottom Line
Shelf lighting typically increases retail sales by 8–15%, with higher lifts in cosmetics, pharmacy, and refrigerated or premium goods. It not only boosts sales but enhances brand perception, shopper experience, and product visibility, especially under LED systems with focused beam optics.
Would you like real-world case studies or to model ROI based on your store layout or category (e.g., pharmacy vs grocery)?
Tools
1. Philips Lighting – European Supermarket Chain Setting: Refrigerated beverage and dairy aisles
Lighting: Philips LED shelf lighting with integrated optics
Results:
11% sales increase on illuminated products compared to control shelves
Payback in under 12 months through higher turnover and reduced energy cost
Additional benefit: 35% less shelf replenishment time due to clearer visibility
Source: Philips Lighting Case Study, 2019
2. E.Leclerc Hypermarkets – France Setting: Cosmetics and beauty shelves
Lighting: Tunable white LED shelf lighting (warm-to-cool dynamic)
Results:
15–20% higher sales on lit cosmetics compared to unlit shelves
Customers reported products “looked more premium” and colors were easier to see
Staff noticed higher engagement and dwell time
Source: RetailDesignBlog / Signify
3. European Convenience Store Chain Setting: Refrigerated beverage coolers (beer, soft drinks)
Lighting: Vertical LED shelf lighting integrated inside coolers
Results:
Up to 18% sales increase on illuminated beverage lines
4–5% total store sales uplift during promotion periods
ROI achieved within 8 months
Source: Refrigeration Industry Magazine
4. Independent Pharmacy – Germany Setting: Over-the-counter medication and supplements
Lighting: Magnetic LED shelf lighting strips
Results:
12% sales increase on lit sections (vitamins, cough remedies)
Better customer navigation, reducing staff assistance time
Customers perceived the store as cleaner and more modern
Source: Interview in Pharmacy Europe Journal, 2022
5. Cosmetics Retailer – Douglas Stores Setting: Premium fragrance and makeup displays
Lighting: LED shelf lighting with CRI >90 for accurate color rendering
Results:
15–30% sales uplift on selected premium brands
Shoppers spent more time browsing illuminated sections Lighting integrated with dynamic digital signage
Source: Douglas Corporate Sustainability Report
Key Takeaways
Across these examples:
- Typical uplift ranges from 8–20%.
- Cosmetics and premium categories often exceed 20% uplift.
- Lighting ROI usually within 6–12 months.
Benefits include:
- Stronger perception of quality and freshness
- Longer dwell times
- Easier product discovery
- Less need for staff assistance
If you’d like, I can help you model an example ROI or find more case studies for pharmacies, grocery, or cosmetics stores. Just let me know!