Introduction
In the modern retail landscape, store design is no longer just about shelving and floor plans it’s a crucial part of the customer journey. Among the most influential yet often overlooked design elements is lighting. More than a practical necessity, lighting shapes how customers feel, behave, and connect with a brand.
Why Lighting Matters in Retail:
-
Creates mood and ambiance – Lighting influences emotional perception and first impressions.
-
Enhances product visibility – Proper lighting highlights textures, colors, and details, making products more appealing.
-
Encourages longer visits – Bright, welcoming spaces make customers feel more comfortable staying longer.
-
Impacts purchasing decisions – Studies show that well-lit spaces can significantly improve conversion rates.
While most retailers rely on artificial lighting, innovative brands are increasingly turning to natural lighting solutions not just for aesthetics, but for their proven commercial benefits. Among these, roof lanterns stand out for their ability to flood spaces with daylight while adding architectural elegance.
This case study explores how Skylights Roof Lanterns collaborated with a boutique retailer to transform a dated, dim showroom into a bright and inviting shopping destination. With expertly designed and strategically placed roof lanterns, the store achieved:
-
A dramatic improvement in in-store ambiance
-
Better product presentation and customer experience
-
A measurable uplift in sales and customer dwell time
This is more than a renovation it’s a lighting-led retail transformation story with real, bottom-line results.
Client Profile & Project Goals
Retailer Background
Our client is a mid-sized home décor and furniture store located in the heart of a busy suburban retail hub. Known for its high-quality, artisanal products, the retailer aimed to offer a showroom experience that reflected the craftsmanship of its merchandise. However, the store's dim and uneven lighting diluted its brand's premium positioning.
Project Objectives
When the store's management team approached Skylights Roof Lanterns, they had three core objectives:
-
Improve natural lighting to create a brighter, more inviting space.
-
Enhance customer experience by making the store feel more spacious and comfortable.
-
Drive commercial results increased sales, longer dwell times, and stronger customer satisfaction.
With these goals in mind, our team designed a custom roof lantern solution tailored specifically to the store’s space and strategic needs.
Designing the Roof Lantern Solution
Light Mapping and Feasibility Assessment
The Skylights team conducted a comprehensive site survey and daylight simulation. This analysis identified that the store’s rear half received minimal natural light due to limited window space and surrounding structures casting shadows.
To remedy this, we proposed a large, centrally positioned roof lantern measuring 2.5m x 4.5m. The location was chosen for maximum sunlight exposure without overheating the space or damaging merchandise.
Tailored Design & Materials
We opted for a rectangular, thermally broken aluminium-framed lantern in a modern matte black finish, selected to align with the store’s industrial-chic interior.
Key design features included:
-
Solar control glass to reduce glare and regulate temperature.
-
Double glazing with argon gas fill for improved insulation.
-
Low-maintenance, self-cleaning glass coating.
-
Discreet internal rafters for a minimalist look.
The lantern was manufactured off-site to exact specifications, ensuring quick on-site installation and minimal disruption to daily operations.
Aesthetic Integration
One of the biggest concerns was making sure the lantern looked like a natural extension of the interior design. The lighting features, display areas, and ceiling finishes were updated in tandem to harmonize with the roof lantern, ensuring a seamless transition between new and existing elements.
Project Execution
Installation Timeline and Process
The entire process from consultation to final installation was completed in under four weeks, divided as follows:
-
Week 1: Structural assessment and ceiling modification.
-
Week 2: Manufacture of the bespoke roof lantern.
-
Week 3: Delivery and installation of the lantern.
-
Week 4: Interior finishing and touch-ups.
The project was timed strategically to coincide with the store’s quieter trading period, reducing potential business disruption.
Key Challenges and Solutions
Structural Load Management
The existing roof required reinforcement to bear the weight of the glass and framing. We coordinated with a structural engineer to install steel supports without compromising ceiling height or aesthetics.
Weatherproofing and Insulation
To ensure longevity, we implemented a multi-layer waterproofing system using EPDM membranes and thermal tape, coupled with insulated curb detailing to prevent condensation and heat loss.
Electrical and Lighting Sync
Interior spotlights and pendants were adjusted to complement the daylight entering through the lantern, ensuring uniform brightness levels throughout the space.
Impact on Customer Experience & Lighting
Before vs. After: A Transformation
Before the roof lantern installation, the store’s atmosphere was flat and heavily reliant on fluorescent overhead lighting, which often created glare and made product colors look muted.
After installation, natural daylight bathed the showroom in soft, diffused light, highlighting product textures and enhancing the overall shopping environment. The space felt larger, fresher, and more premium qualities that resonated with the store’s target demographic.
Customer Behavior Changes
Post-renovation, customer feedback showed a marked improvement:
-
73% of customers surveyed described the new atmosphere as “brighter” or “more inviting.”
-
Dwell time increased by an average of 22%, as shoppers lingered longer to explore displays.
-
Customers noted better visibility of product details, influencing their purchase confidence.
The store manager remarked:
“The roof lantern completely changed how customers move through the space. It’s now a point of pride we showcase during every in-store tour.”
Sales Impact & Commercial Results
Boost in Sales Metrics
Over a six-month period following the installation:
-
Sales rose by 25%, directly attributed to higher foot traffic and improved engagement.
-
Conversion rates climbed from 15% to 21%, indicating more browsers were turning into buyers.
-
The average basket size increased by 12%, suggesting that customers were spending more during each visit.
Operational Cost Benefits
With the influx of natural light, the store significantly reduced its daytime lighting usage, lowering energy costs by an estimated 18% during peak daylight hours.
When compared to the cost of the installation, the project achieved a full return on investment within 9 months a testament to the commercial viability of architectural day lighting.
Lessons Learned & Best Practices
Retail Insights from the Project
This retail roof lantern case study offers several valuable lessons for retail store owners, architects, and interior designers seeking to transform commercial spaces through natural lighting. The results not only elevated the store's visual appeal but also directly impacted customer experience and sales performance.
Here are some of the key takeaways and recommendations based on the success of this project with Skylights Roof Lanterns:
-
Natural light sells.
Bright, sunlit interiors create a sense of openness and comfort, encouraging customers to stay longer and engage more deeply with the space. In this case study, improved lighting design directly enhanced product visibility and made the shopping experience more enjoyable boosting conversions. -
Choose an experienced roof lantern supplier.
Not all roof lanterns are created equal. A well-executed design requires a supplier with deep expertise in architectural integration, thermal performance, and commercial installations. Skylights Roof Lanterns provided tailored solutions, ensuring both aesthetics and functionality. -
Design with detail in mind.
Everything from frame color to glazing type affects the outcome. Opting for features like solar control glass and self-cleaning coatings contributed to better long-term performance and minimal maintenance. These details helped preserve lighting quality and reinforced the store’s premium image. -
Balance beauty with performance.
A stunning lighting design must also work within the building's structural and energy constraints. The right lantern should reduce glare, maintain thermal comfort, and complement the store’s HVAC and insulation setup. -
Track the business impact.
Don't just view design as an aesthetic upgrade see it as a business investment. The sales impact in this case was quantifiable, and aligning design choices with KPIs like dwell time, conversion rate, and customer satisfaction helped justify the budget and ROI. -
Prioritize user experience.
Think beyond just adding light. Consider how the light affects shoppers’ moods, wayfinding, and overall customer experience. A beautifully lit space encourages more interaction and builds stronger brand perception. -
Plan for smooth execution.
Working with a team that handles planning, manufacturing, and installation helps avoid delays. Coordination between the architect, supplier, and store manager kept the timeline tight and reduced downtime critical for any retail renovation.
Best Practices from Skylights Roof Lanterns
Whether you're planning a new store design or upgrading an existing one, follow these proven best practices from Skylights Roof Lanterns:
-
Perform a daylight analysis before finalizing design
-
Use high-performance glazing for energy efficiency and UV control
-
Consider lantern shape and placement carefully
-
Factor in maintenance, cleaning, and access
-
Always ensure structural compatibility before installation
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Retailers often make the mistake of choosing the cheapest skylight solution without considering insulation, glare control, or design integration. With Skylights Roof Lanterns, every aspect is tailored to your business goals from aesthetics to ROI.
Conclusion & Recommendations
This case study clearly demonstrates the powerful impact of roof lanterns in a retail environment. From increased natural light and elevated design to improved customer experience and boosted sales, the benefits were both aesthetic and financial.
For retail managers and architects looking to future-proof their commercial spaces, roof lanterns offer an efficient, elegant, and highly profitable solution.
Skylights Roof Lanterns brings decades of expertise in designing and installing custom day lighting systems. Whether you're renovating an existing store or building a new one, our team will guide you through every stage from concept to completion.
