Importance of Lighting Design in Retails

Poor lighting in a retail store can have a negative effect on sales. Therefore, you must consider optimal lighting.

According to research, 60 to 90 percent of individuals in the first 90 seconds ask about colors and color-related matters. Why should this concern you? Because colors can provoke stimuli ranging from happiness to sadness. And because of that, it can alter the shopping preferences or motivate the customer to shop more. So, lighting or illumination in a shop is a significant factor to remember.

But what makes the lighting in a retail shop perfect? Is it just random lighting, or do you need to make an organized lighting design? What factors should you consider? With the help of some of the experts from CDM2Lightworks.com, commercial lighting experts, we have put together this guide. So, without further delay, let us go to the subject!

Importance of Optimal in-store Lighting

Poor lighting in a retail shop can have a bad impact on sales. So, you need to install enough lighting. You might ask why? Because it can go far beyond just illuminating the products on the shelf.

There are two fundamental aspects to consider.

The Products

There are numerous products you can sell, but not all the items are alike. For example, selling shoes is not similar to selling jewelry. So, when the products change, the lighting and the environment change also. You’ll want to research the best generators you can get.

Conveying the Consumers

Another point to consider is what we are trying to convey to the consumers. We need to create an atmosphere that goes with the message we would like to share. Sometimes you need a dark tone, sometimes bright, and even in times, you might need a natural light source to perfectly convey the message to your consumers.

Lighting can also attract customers to a shop window or highlight an item. For example, if you have a dark or reflective window, it will not be easy to see the products from outside, and customers might not be encouraged to enter the store. As a result, you might lose a potential customer, which will hamper your sales. But having good lighting and highlighting the products can attract more buyers than expected.

So, in short, we can say that lighting possesses a strategic functionality that goes far beyond just lighting the store's interior or exterior.

Types of Light

There are various types of light. You should choose the one that suits the product you are selling, what message you want to convey, consumption and performance, opening hours, etc. Bates Electric can provide professional help for adding or fixing the lights.

Natural Lighting

As you might already know by the title, natural lights come from nature or, to be exact, the sun. However, you also need to understand, natural source of light carries some disadvantages as well. For example, you will not get sunlight 24/7, and in Charlotte, North Carolina, the weather can change at any time.

Artificial Lighting

Artificial lights are man-made lightings. It is customizable and can be installed according to our objectives and needs. 

There are quite a few types of artificial lights to choose from.

LED

Light-emitting diodes, or in short, the LED, is one of the most commonly used lighting products in any retail store all over the globe. Why? Because it has a low electricity consumption and is highly efficient. Also, it does not have any residual heat. Therefore, it is quite profitable in the long run though the price is a little higher.

Fluorescent

It is by far the most commonly used lighting anywhere in the world. Unfortunately, though it has a low electricity consumption, the performance is relatively low too.

Halogen

Halogen is a type of lighting that can highlight an item and bring out the details. The intensity of the light is customizable, but it loses its illumination over time.

Metallic Halogen

It is brighter than regular halogen and can bring out the natural color of a product. Metallic halogens are very common in product exhibitions.

Once you select the type of light you want to use, consider other issues like technical aspects, power consumption, temperature, transformers, and different placement options.

Lighting Design

In Charlotte, North Carolina, the retail store has quite a few different spaces, including the fitting room, shelves, exhibitors, shop window, central tables, etc. 

Shop Window Display

The shop's window is the first place a customer notices. The first impression of a customer decides whether they want to go for a product or leave it. The most common item you can use in a shop window is spotlights or spotlight rails. It will highlight the texture and shape of a product on display. You can also use dimmers to create a different atmosphere.

Shelves

Once a customer enters a retail shop, the first area they notice are the shelves. So, it is pretty important to capture the customer's attention. It is one place where lighting is a must, and it has to have high-quality illumination. We recommend using bright lights for the shelves. 

Fitting Rooms

The fitting room can be a decisive place for a customer. So, the light has to be flattering. For a fitting room, lights are mainly used on the sides of the mirrors. This helps to reduce the shadows caused by overhead lighting like the spotlights. It should also be a comfortable and warm light. Motion sensors can be utilized to save energy. That way, the lights will only turn on when someone enters the fitting room.

Waiting Room

We recommend dynamic lighting for the waiting room. It will make the space more pleasant. 

Also, if you are confused about what to do and what not to do.  You can always ask for the help of an expert if you are living in Charlotte, North Carolina. Also, you should seek professional help when adding or fixing electrical items.

Commercial lighting plays an important role in the business. An appropriate store lighting can influence the mood of customers, highlight the products, and create a unique atmosphere. And that is why the perfect lighting design is an element of significant importance if you want to take your business to the next level.

Step By Step Guide When Planning to Sell Your House

To have a hassle-free and fast sale when listing your property is always the goal. The objective when selling your home is to rapidly look for a fit buyer, secure the deal, get the cash, and surrender the property to the new owner. 

However, no matter how much you want this dream to come true, the reality of selling your home includes several factors - some which you can manage and some that are out of your control.

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It may be true that there are many factors that are out of your control, but there are definitely ones that can be controlled and still produce a huge impact when selling your home. This article will reveal the things that you can control that can also serve as your step by step guide when listing your house in the market and help to sell my house fast

Credit Score

When you are selling your home, make sure to understand what your credit score is to purchase another home. You may not want to be in a position where you recently filed bankruptcy and now need a mortgage to purchase a home. First, you may want to consider rebuilding your credit after bankruptcy to be in a better position to purchase a home.

Be knowledgeable about the worth of your house

It is important not to overprice or underprice your home, so be knowledgeable about your property’s value. Research about the sold homes that have been identified in a comparative market analysis report in your locality. Also, take into consideration whether your market is hot, cold, or neutral so that you can price your house properly.

Hire an expert listing agent

Hiring an expert listing agent can help represent you. He or she also has a fiduciary responsibility to find what’s best for you. With that, try to hire the best listing agent in your area according to your needs and standards.

Ready your house for sale

This should be one of your most important priorities. You should prepare your home for sale by cleaning and decluttering it. You should also improve your curb appeal. Make any necessary repairs and consider a pre-listing, seller’s inspection to identify any potential problem areas. For showing, you might want to hire a professional stager so that he or she can stage your home. You can also ask your real estate agent for more ideas to help your house be more ready for sale. It is important to remember that you sometimes only get one chance, and even only for three seconds or so, to produce a great first impression - so make it count.

Market Your Home 

It is important to identify the selling points of your house so that you can utilize them when advertising your property. Talk to your agent so that you can make a marketing campaign or figure out how to advertise your house. You should also hire a virtual tour company in order to take good photos and upload them online. It is vital that you confirm that the listing is posted online. Both you and your agent should exhaust all possible marketing strategies available on the internet and social media so that you can market your house effectively. 

Show Your Home 

Let your agent use a lockbox or keypad so that you can get more showings. These allow your house to be shown rather than force buyers to make appointments. Try to be more flexible if ever you decide to go for appointments. Some buyers will want to see the home on weeknights and all across the weekend, hence, it is important to be as accommodating as possible. If you plan to have an open house, you must remember to sparingly use this approach. It is important to make sure to ask for buyer feedback so you can adjust your price, condition, or marketing campaign accordingly.

Receive Purchase Offers and Negotiate 

If you priced your house right, you must be prepared to receive several offers. It is important to remember not to ignore any offers, even if it seems too low. A counteroffer should be done in order to negotiate. You must consider making a counteroffer that is contingent on you buying a home if market conditions warrant it. Also, if the price you have set for your home is competitive and is backed up by comparable sales, do not fear making a full-price counter offer. In addition to that, if the buyer's offer is contingent on selling a home, you can demand for a kick-out clause or right of first refusal. This contingency makes sure that you are not wasting time if the buyer can’t offload their property.

Safety Tips For Walkers To Defend Themselves Against Any Dangers

Walking is usually a preferred choice of commuting, especially if you live near your workplace or the place you usually go out.  In addition to this, walking is also a healthy choice of transportation which is why more and more people are doing it. However, walking as part of a commute or recreation is not always the safest option which is why people need to be aware of these safety tips to protect them against any dangers.

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Lose the headphones

Different statistics show that most of the walkers who were in an accident or were otherwise exposed to some kind of danger wore either headphones or earphones. Even though this statistics may seem odd at a first glance, it has a perfectly good explanation behind it. People who walk as the main part of the commute are generally more exposed to different kinds of dangers than people who drive are. Some of these dangers include being robbed on foot, or being hit by a bicycle, or other kinds of vehicle. 

Ultimately, the aforementioned statistics have shown that people who wear headphones are more likely to succumb to these threats because they are far less likely to see the danger coming. In the case of being robbed, criminals do in fact target people who are less likely to spot them coming, which is why they target people who have earphones or headphones. This is why it’s highly advised not to wear them, especially if you’re walking at night. Without the headphones, you are more likely to stay focused and not get distracted, which is ultimately what makes you prone to any kind of danger.

Track your location 

In addition to previous safety tips, it may come as a bit of relief for you to track your location when you're walking or running. This way not only do you track your fitness progress or levels other people will know where you are at every given time I'm doing your walk. Even though this doesn't directly protect you against any danger, it might do a great job of helping someone send an emergency vehicle or an ambulance to your location if you succumb to any of the aforementioned dangers. 

Ultimately having others know your location can save valuable time and even get evidence in case you want to sue someone who has hurt you as a result of negligence or if it was on purpose.  Furthermore,  more cases of people being in a pedestrian accident are recorded every year, which is why having an app to track your location is a very good idea and it can also be used as evidence by your lawyer.  That being said, it is still important to be alert but you should ultimately remember that even though you end up in an accident you can still file your claim with a lawyer of appropriate expertise.

Plan ahead

Another great safety tip that can help walkers protect themselves against many dangers is to plan. An extreme version of this would be to know some kind of martial arts beforehand. Knowing martial arts can keep you safe in any kind of situation, especially against people who want to pickpocket you when you're walking home or anywhere else. There are many resources today on the internet that can show you the basic techniques to protect yourself. In addition to this, you can always take short lessons in your local gym to get you started.

However, a big problem with this is that not everyone can practice martial arts, and even if they care it doesn't protect them from other types of dangers such as vehicles or bicycles and other unforeseen situations. If someone isn't able to learn any martial arts techniques even in self-defense, they may opt to carry a small concealed device such as a pepper spray just in case. Ultimately it's extremely important to remain focused and alert especially if you're walking at night and if you are walking in your city or town where there isn't proper lighting you may wish to wear a fluorescent tag so vehicles could see you better.

Walkers are among the most vulnerable groups in traffic. They don't have a metal framework around them to protect them in case of an accident like car passengers do.  In addition to this Walkers are usually targeted by thieves which is why these safety tips are all the more important.  Ultimately if something happens to a walker they can always press charges through appropriate channels and with lawyers who have enough experience.

6 Useful Tips On How To Find A Perfect Smoking Device For You

If you are an avid smoker or wish to try a new smoking style, you should invest in a smoking device that fits your needs. However, the myriad of options available today can make you indecisive. From vapes to pipes, there are several smoking devices to choose from. Note that every device differs in size, design, durability, performance, and price. So, you must be extra considerate when picking one. Follow these 6 useful tips to find the perfect smoking device for you.

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1. Consider Your Smoking Habits

How often do you smoke? Is smoking a leisurely activity for you or do you do it when you are stressed? Do you prefer to smoke with someone or alone? Consider your habits to narrow down your options. For instance, if you smoke alone, you can get a one-hitter or a bowl as these devices are portable and easier to handle. If you often break things and hate cleaning up afterward, go for anything but a device made of glass. Breaking your smoking device time and again will also cost you a lot of money. Choose a pipe made of wood or silicone instead.

2. Learn About Different Types of Smoking Devices

You’d be surprised to know the range of smoking devices available today. Move on from your usual vapes and pipes and look into modern devices like electronic cigarettes, bubblers, bowls, dag rigs, bongs, and hookahs, there are several kinds to choose from. Hand pipes are an ideal option if you want to go old-school and use a conventional method. However, modern devices make the task easier and offer an uplifting experience. While bongs are larger and offer optimum filtration, disposable devices are more handy and easy to use when you are on the go. If you do still want to vape, there are so many options with regards to the juice that you put into it - you can even get d8 vapes that can help you relax, de-stress, and even help manage symptoms of chronic pain, so could be a really great option if you already smoke for any one of those reasons.

3. Factor in the Cost

Smoking devices can be expensive. The more features and durability you want, the higher the price gets. It also boils down to your budget. If you have a higher budget, you can get a hookah or a vaping device for a heightened experience. However, if you do not wish to spend more, you can easily find a water pipe that will fit your budget. Save money by finding a genius pipe discount code on official websites selling coupon codes. From $5 to $200 and more, you can get several options in a varying price range that suits every smoker’s budget.

4. Find Local Stores

While buying online is the best and most convenient alternative, finding a local store and buying your device from a brick-and-mortar establishment is the safest option. Since local stores allow you to see and touch the device before you buy it, you can have the assurance of investing in a durable and legible piece. However, if you are getting a better deal online, go for it. If possible, check it once at your local store before placing an order. More importantly, make sure that the dealer or seller is genuine. If you are confused, ask the store owner to present some options that you will likely prefer.

5. Consider Ease of Use

You should also be able to use your device with ease. Instead of fidgeting with your device and wasting time preparing it, get a model that takes just a few seconds to prepare. This will keep you from getting frustrated and impatient. If you want a mellow hit that doesn’t feel too harsh on your nose and throat, get a water pipe with perc and ice pinches. Some devices like hookahs and bubblers are more difficult to set up and can take some time before you actually get to smoking. However, they are fun to use in large groups and worth the hassle.

6. Buy What Feels ‘Right’

In the end, the device you buy should feel and look right. It should call out to you and feel comfortable to use. When buying one, look for scratches and pits as smoking pipes are prone to damage. More importantly, be wary of knock-offs as many sellers tend to sell poor-quality models for a higher price. Every time you pick your device up, you should feel comfortable and happy to use it. This is the reason why some avid smoke owners prefer only pipes whereas others are more excited to use hookahs. If you want to ditch the traditional way of using a lighter and want to try something new, buy an e-cigarette.

Simply strolling across the aisles of a store is not sufficient. You must consider certain factors and tips to find a perfect smoking device that fits your needs and budget. Instead of picking the cheapest model, look for a piece that keeps you hooked, is easy to use, and is quite durable.

4 Traditional Clothing Items That Never Go Out Of Style

Culture is a beautiful, complex, ever-evolving thing. And part of culture is clothing. Cultural staples in clothing can be things that have been worn for thousands of years, or they can be modern-day twists on ag- old clothing or even hybrids between two distinct styles. They can include patterns or colours from a culture’s origins in a recent cut or the silhouette from days past with the current season’s hottest colour. Once you start looking for it, you’ll begin to see that pretty much everything we wear today has its origins in tradition. And now that many clothing stores have gone digital, it’s pretty easy to find the specific niche cultural piece you’re looking for. The following will explore four traditional clothing items that never go out of style.

Of course, if you are looking into fashion outside of your own culture, it is always a good idea to do your research and learn about when and where traditional clothing items are appropriate. There is nothing wrong with participating in and admiring someone else’s culture. There is something wrong with misrepresenting or misusing someone else’s culture. If you’re unsure, it’s always wise to ask someone for guidance or help.

As a side note, if you’re shopping online, it’s a good idea to take your measurements before selecting a size. Cultural standards for sizing can vary, so it’s always a good idea to confirm what measurements a size suits. 

Nehru Jackets

Nothing seems to outline a man’s shoulders and posture quite like a Nehru jacket. Nehru jackets evolved out of the achkan, which were knee-length jackets worn by men on the Indian subcontinent. It has a similar vibe to a Sherwani but is a little more flexible when it comes to length and, therefore, formality. Again, given the interconnectedness of everything in the digital realm, it’s quite easy to buy Indian clothing even if you’re outside of India. The Nehru jacket was quite popular in Europe and America in the 60s and 70s and continues to be part of a sleek, mod look today.

Scandinavian Sweaters

Also harkening back to the 60s exploration of cultural clothing, the Scandinavian sweater (sometimes also called Norwegian sweater) is a perfect addition to a winter wardrobe that was very popular in Europe and America in the 60s and 70s. With a folk, boho feel, Scandinavian sweaters capture all the cozy vibes you might need on a blustery winter day. The knitting patterns were popularized by Norwegians but originated in the fertile crescent. As a bonus, these sweaters are fantastic at keeping the cold at bay.

Tartan Material

Tartan patterns are check-like lines crossing over each other that were, for centuries, part of everyday Scottish attire. They were once associated with specific clans or areas of Scotland as the varying colours were the result of using local plants, roots, berries, and trees for dyes. As a fun side quest, if you have a Scottish surname, you can search it online and find the tartan that was once associated with your family. Nowadays, tartan has expanded beyond Scotland-specific dye colours due to synthetic clothing manufacturing and can be seen widely in everything from school children’s uniforms to editorial high-fashion pieces. Tartan can be included in smaller ways like on the detailing of a jacket or in bigger ways like full dresses or shirts. A tweak on tartan, known as plaid, is also commonly available.

Beret Hat

Around the world, the French style is something highly sought after. A major component of the French sense of fashion involves the minimal to no effort the look seems to have entailed (of course, if you do your research or live in France for a while, you’ll quickly see that there is a lot of effort involved in looking like you just tumbled out of bed and to work looking flawless). One of the classic elements in French style is the beret hat. Originally worn by shepherds in the Pyrenees, these caps are typically worn a little crooked and are completely unisex. Many militaries throughout the world have also adopted the beret as part of their uniform.

The above examples should open your eyes to how traditional fashion has a place in our everyday lives. Once you start looking for ways to incorporate culture into your fashion choices, you’ll see that the sky's the limit. There are so many brilliant (and practical) designs humans have developed over time. Again, always do your homework and your due diligence to make sure you’re being appropriate with the fashion choices you’re making.