Dreams

Pandora, Bondi Junction.  The dreamy quality of the lighting and the behind counter graphic have added another dimension to this otherwise functional, but stylish store.  

Why you want good lighting

Tarocash, QVB.  In one of the country's busiest malls 8 weeks out from Christmas, new range in stock, sales are sluggish - this is not a good time to have your lighting less than fully functional.  This example neatly illustrates why it is so important.

Are the Lights on at home ?

Hart&Heim, Bondi Junction. Lighting is very important in setting the tone in a retail store. Having shadow and contrast drives the atmosphere. Perhaps this design store has gone a touch too far ? It is difficult to tell where to look - what are the hot spots or the focal points ? The wall ... or the table ... ? what do you think ? Beautiful though.

Retailer's Hot Water

Fragrance Connection, East Gardens.  A stand out Hot Water by Davidoff display.  This is in contrast to the visual clutter of the rest of the store, showing that 'Less is More'.

Why are the lights STILL out at Boost Juice ?

Boost Juice, East Gardens.  I visited my favourite juice bar today, the subject of earlier posts about their failure to replace the blown lightbulb.  Would you believe that, months later, the offending bulb has STILL not been replaced ?  A closer inspection revealed the ones in the 'ceiling bulkhead' had a few blown bulbs as well - at least 4 out the 12.   Do they really think these things do not matter ?    Now, here's the point - if they cannot take care of the little things like broken lightbulbs what hope is there they will take care of the big ones, like product safety, good quality ingredients, good hygiene and customer service ?

Seriously Hot Lips

Gift shop, QVB.  Dramatic lighting adds to eyecatching product display.

Coffee vs Sex

Gift Shop, QVB. Engaging window - especially the card message :) the lighting makes the display come to life.

Bright and buzzing

Vodafone, Warringah.  This Voda store seemed like a 'happening' place - bright and cheerful and buzzing. The lighting is quite cool. I would be interested to hear what experiences readers have had in their stores.

Portmans Gets Laid Back

Portmans, Bondi Junction. Striking lighting with 'laid back' mannequins makes for interest. However, the windows are a challenge in the trans-seasonal period, especially when used with muted and sepia tones. Looks classy, but might lack impact.

BLING BLING BOING

Hardy Bros Jewellery, Chatswood Chase, Something doesn't quite work with how this upmarket jeweller is advertising its sale. I like the effect of the changing colour windows, though, they get attention in busy mall and foot traffic environments.

DIOR'S MOOD

Dior counter, Myer Sydney city. Lighting creates mood which sells product.

COOL LIGHTING

Camper store, Chatswood Chase. Cool lighting increases visual interest in this footwear store. The simplicity of display focuses the eye on the product.

STUNNING LIGHTING

Wayne Cooper, Oxford Street. High end fashion.

OUT OF FOCUS ?

1001 optical store, Chatswood Chase mall, part of a broader chain.  They seem to have used black as the dominant colour in their design, as opposed to their usual red.  Personally, I think it detracts from their stylish offering, and is simply too dark (even allowing for low light in the mall).

POOR LIGHTING KILLS INTEREST

Have a look at this Games Workshop store, Chermside mall, Brisbane. The product is quite interesting, but the lighting levels are so consistently poor (less than 400 lux ?) that the store looks dowdy and shabby. Customers need to be really committed to stick it out in this environment.  Not to mention the high cost of occupancy in one of Australia's busiest malls. Admittedly the customer profile is predominantly male, but even blokes like to see what they are buying.....

STRIKE THREE STRIPES

Adidas store in Queen St mall,  Brisbane - very striking.  However, the cost of delivering this impact is a store which is very dark due to the black, and lacks presentation flexibility.  More recent iterations of the Adidas stores do, however, show a return to the blue Adidas moniker, with much more even and flexible lighting.

SUPER SUPRE LIGHTING

Cool interior Sunshine Plaza

WORLD OF COLOUR

World Square, Sydney has a lot of small, narrow spaces, and is a very busy commuter thoroughfare. I thought the use of changing colour in this section of the centre was a good way to 'lighten the sensory load' and draw attention away from the narrow space.