Install Track Lighting Now

When visiting a mid-Atlantic dive store last summer the first thing that struck me was that something wasn’t right. The store, which normally looks warm and inviting, seemed cold and uninviting by comparison. I just couldn’t put my finger on why.

When I asked the staff what was different, they said, “Oh, the track lighting circuit breaker blew. We were just about to turn it back on again when you walked in.”

As soon as the track lights came back on, the store’s whole demeanor changed. There was a luster to the color of items on display that had previously been absent. Certain displays, which had track lights trained directly on them suddenly seemed to pop out.

Merchandising experts tell us that nothing adds warmth and drama to displays like track lighting does. I can vouch for that, Just before visiting the dive store, I’d stopped at the K-Mart across the street. Like most K-Marts, this one was clean, neat and orderly. The shelves were well stocked; the signage abundant and clear. Yet, despite all this, the store’s interior appeared sterile…almost soulless. Why? K-Mart relies solely on fluorescent lighting.

You don’t want your store to remind customers of K-Mart, do you? Adding track lighting can be a surprisingly easy, do-it-yourself project for those of us who are mechanically inclined (you do want to check your local building codes, however, to ensure you comply).

Among the best selections of commercial-grade track lighting is a W.R. Grainger — although track lighting components are available from several other sources as well. Below are links that will help you learn more about track lighting — including a number of “how to” articles (the one from Lowe’s is among the best).

As you’ll read in this issue’s “Nuts and Bolts” column, spring is an excellent time to tackle a project like this. It’s a great way to give your store a whole new — and very dramatic — look for summer.

Install Track Lighting Now

Learn More About Track Lighting

Track Lighting “How To” Articles