5 Reasons Why Supermarket Lighting Evolves

Lighting Supermarkets

Sept 3, 2020

Traditional brick-and-mortar supermarkets are reconfiguring their store layouts and lighting designs as part of their new strategy to retain customers, attract new ones and remain relevant in the rapidly changing grocery retail channel.

As online competition and dollar stores capture more dry-goods business, supermarkets are shifting their focus away from shrinking center aisles to their perimeters where they can feature more fresh foods.

Here are five reasons why supermarket lighting is changing.

1. Fresh is best

When grocery stores offer more produce, dairy, meats, hot and cold pre-made meals and organic products in their easily-shoppable perimeter departments, shoppers rate them better. To showcase the freshness of these products in their best light, many supermarkets are upgrading their lighting systems.

2. Profitable performance

Great departments, no matter their store location, won’t perform profitably unless they are lit properly. To complement ever-changing store layout designs to keep the shopping experience memorable and fresh, supermarkets need lighting solutions that are easy and fast to install, flexible and preferably without added labour costs.

In this new dynamic age of grocery shopping, supermarkets need the ability to easily change the location of the light source without the help of an electrician. In addition, they need lighting solutions that provide multiple kinds of lighting distribution, such as aisle distribution, focused open-case distribution, general ambience distribution and accent lighting, to create heightened attention for high-margin products and to maximize the merchandising of available space.

3. Flexible Configurations

A trunking system is an innovative solution that allows stores to easily change their lighting to highlight special displays and sales items.

LED linear trunking systems are energy-efficient, high-performing and low-maintenance alternatives to traditional linear fluorescent lighting systems. Their sleek, clean design offers a sophisticated look and allows for interconnecting the linear LED fixtures into rows of any desired length.

The flexible configurations can be scaled for both retrofit and expansion projects.

4. Multiple patterns of distribution

Trunking systems also offer multiple light distribution patterns that can be created with precision lens systems via a simple snap-on mechanism.

Supermarkets need narrow beam angles to illuminate product displays and high rack spaces, wide beam patterns to illuminate aisles, asymmetric light distribution for racks and shelves and asymmetrical light distribution to highlight products on shelf surfaces, on end cap and other displays.

5. Money- and labour-saving

Linear trunking systems are simple to install, which minimizes upfront installation costs and proves for easy future upgrades. They feature tool-free assembly with pre-built components and modules. The pre-wired trunking rails can be surface-mounted and recessed or suspended with corresponding mounting hardware such as with rods, chains or cords.

In many ways, linear trunking systems can help supermarkets maintain their market share among increasing competition within the retail grocery chain while also elevating the shopping experience.

It’s a boost to the bottom line when customers see better-looking merchandise in its best light.

https://blog.amerlux.com/5-reasons-why-supermarket-lighting-evolves/.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i], 26th Edition– A Road Map: Section 56

    Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i], 26th Edition– A Road Map: Section 56

    February 6, 2026 By William (Bill) Burr The Code is a comprehensive document. Sometimes it can seem quite daunting to quickly find the information you need. This series of articles provides a guide to help users find their way through this critical document. This is not intended to replace the notes in Appendix B or Read More…

  • 3D Printing: Inside Lighting’s Next Revolution

    February 5, 2026 While 3D printing in mass production was once a dream, advancements in the technology have moved it more into the mainstream. The technique, which is also referred to as additive manufacturing, has rapidly evolved from a niche prototyping tool into a transformative production method for many sectors, including the lighting industry. As Read More…

  • Microgrids & Power Quality: Designing Resilient, Clean Facility Power

    Microgrids & Power Quality: Designing Resilient, Clean Facility Power

    February 5, 2026 In an era of extreme weather, aging infrastructure, and ever‑rising energy demands, many facility managers are rethinking their relationship with the grid. Microgrids offer a way to take control and operate autonomously when necessary. A microgrid is more than just backup, when designed properly, it becomes a platform for resiliency, efficiency, and Read More…

  • ITC 101: Understanding NEMA Ratings for Electrical Enclosures

    ITC 101: Understanding NEMA Ratings for Electrical Enclosures

    February 5, 2026 Understanding NEMA Ratings for Electrical Enclosures NEMA Ratings are an essential classification system used across North America to define the environmental and mechanical protection provided by electrical enclosures. Developed by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), these ratings help engineers, installers, and specifiers identify the appropriate enclosure type for industrial, commercial, and outdoor Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Lighting What’s Next: Stanpro Celebrates 65 Years

    Lighting What’s Next: Stanpro Celebrates 65 Years

    February 6, 2026 “We didn’t get here by standing still. For 65 years, we’ve shaped how we think, how we design, and what responsibility means,” the company said in a LinkedIn post. “Today, that thinking takes a new form. Not to change who we are, but to express our evolution more clearly. This is Stanpro, Read More…

  • Housing Priorities on Track in New Brunswick, but More Work to do: Hickey

    Housing Priorities on Track in New Brunswick, but More Work to do: Hickey

    February 6, 2026 Efforts to support the creation of new affordable housing and reduce chronic homelessness are on track, but there is still lots of work to do, according to David Hickey, the minister responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation. New data indicates progress has been made on three key government priorities related to Read More…

  • BJ Electric is now Bernie’s Electric Supplies Ltd

    BJ Electric is now Bernie’s Electric Supplies Ltd

    February 6, 2026 BJ Electric had been teasing a major announcement on their social media recently, before finally announcing last week they have rebranded as Bernie’s Electric Supplies Ltd, a nod to the company’s founder and legacy. “BJ Electric Supplies is now Bernie’s Electric Supplies—in honor of our founder, Bernard Joseph Thompson, and the values Read More…

  • The Government of Canada Introduces the Build Canada Homes Act

    The Government of Canada Introduces the Build Canada Homes Act

    February 6, 2026 The Government of Canada has introduced the Build Canada Homes Act, legislation that will establish Build Canada Homes as a Crown corporation whose mandate will be dedicated to building affordable housing in communities across the country. As Canada’s affordable housing builder, this legislation will equip Build Canada Homes with the necessary tools to Read More…