The impact of natural daylight on retail profits in shopping centres has been a subject of interest for researchers and retailers alike. With the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer preferences, brick-and-mortar stores are constantly seeking ways to enhance the shopping experience and increase sales.
One such strategy is harnessing the power of natural daylight to create a more inviting and visually appealing environment for customers. In this article, we will explore the correlation between natural daylight and retail profits in shopping centres, as well as the benefits it brings to both retailers and consumers.
The Research Behind Natural Daylight
Natural daylight has been proven to have a significant impact on retail profits in shopping centers. A well-designed interior that incorporates natural daylight can lead to increased sales and customer satisfaction. This correlation between natural daylight and retail profits can be attributed to various factors, including the psychological and physiological effects of natural light on consumers, as well as the energy-saving benefits for businesses.
A seminal study conducted in 1999 by the environmental consulting firm Heschong Mahone Group (HMG), titled "Daylighting and Productivity," found that retail spaces lit with daylight experienced a sales increase of over 40% compared to similar spaces selling comparable products without natural light. This research established a statistically compelling connection between skylighting and retail sales, with skylights being identified as one of the best predictors of sales performance.
Scientific research has demonstrated that incorporating natural daylight into retail spaces can result in up to a 40% increase in sales (The Benefits of Daylighting, 2019). One study conducted in 2013 found a statistically compelling relationship between daylighting and sales performance in retail stores (Daylighting Impacts on Retail Sales Performance, 2013)
In another study conducted by Eneref Institute, it was discovered that everything from fresh fruit to soda bottles appeared more visually appealing when displayed under skylights. This is because daylight accurately renders all wavelengths of light within the visible color spectrum, allowing merchandise to reflect their true colors with an even intensity, making them more attractive to the human eye.
The Correlation Between Retail Profits and Natural Daylight
The positive impact of natural daylight on retail sales can be attributed to several factors.
Firstly, natural daylight creates a more visually appealing environment for customers, showcasing products in their true colors and enhancing the overall shopping experience. A well-lit supermarket produce section, for example, can make fruits and vegetables appear fresher and more appealing, leading to increased sales.
Secondly, natural daylight has been linked to improved occupant comfort in buildings, which can directly affect consumer behavior. A comfortable shopping environment can encourage customers to spend more time browsing and ultimately lead to higher sales. Factors such as thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort, as well as indoor air quality, all contribute to the overall comfort of a retail space (Daylighting Impacts on Retail Sales Performance, 2013).
In addition to the psychological and physiological benefits for consumers, incorporating natural daylight into retail spaces can also provide energy-saving benefits for businesses. Reducing the reliance on artificial lighting, businesses can lower their energy consumption and associated costs. This not only contributes to a more sustainable business model but also helps prevent issues such as mold and mildew growth in buildings, which thrive in darkness.
Benefits of Natural Daylight for Retailers and Consumers
1. Increased Sales: As mentioned earlier, research has shown that well-designed natural interior daylight can lead to a significant increase in retail sales. This is due to the enhanced visual appeal of products and the inviting atmosphere created by natural light.
2. Improved Customer Satisfaction: A study published in 2022 found that the presence of sunlight and connection to outside views significantly enhanced customers' ability to recognize the utilization of daylight, which in turn increased their satisfaction levels.
3. Enhanced Shopping Experience: The Gruen effect, a phenomenon in shopping mall design, occurs when consumers enter a store and lose track of their original intentions due to an intentionally confusing layout. Natural daylight can counteract this effect by creating a more pleasant and navigable environment, reducing the likelihood of impulse buys and increasing customer satisfaction.
4. Health Benefits for Employees: A study at Cornell University showed that workers exposed to natural light experienced an 84% drop in issues such as headaches, eyestrain, and blurred vision. This leads to reduced fatigue and susceptibility to other health issues, resulting in happier workers, less absenteeism, and increased productivity.
5. Energy Savings: Utilizing natural daylight can significantly reduce energy costs for retailers, as it requires no energy consumption and produces no carbon emissions. This is particularly important in the context of climate change and the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Bottom Line
The correlation between natural daylight and retail profits in shopping centres is clear. By incorporating well-designed natural interior daylight into their spaces, retailers can create a more inviting and visually appealing environment for customers, leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction.
Additionally, the use of natural daylight offers health benefits for employees and contributes to energy savings and sustainability efforts. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, harnessing the power of natural daylight will be a key strategy for brick-and-mortar stores in shopping centres to remain competitive and thrive in the market.
