Quick answer: Why does lighting matter in premium retail displays?

Lighting directly influences how customers perceive quality. High-CRI LED lighting ensures bottles look vibrant and true to colour, while well-designed strip lighting creates visual focus, elevates product value and enhances the overall ambience of the store.

Background: An opportunity to create a retail feature

Craig from Monbulk Celebrations knew the premium spirits display had more potential — the products were high-end, but the existing lighting didn’t reflect that quality. He engaged JPG Tech to create a lighting upgrade that would be elegant, compliant and visually powerful.

Planning the installation: Safety, compliance and visual impact

To achieve the warm, inviting look Craig was after, JPG Tech developed a plan centred on:

Compliance & certified products

All LED strips, drivers and accessories used in the installation were RCM-certified and compliant with:

• AS/NZS 60598 – Luminaires
  
• AS/NZS 61347 – Control Gear for LED systems

This ensures electrical safety, EMC compliance and long-term reliability in commercial environments.

Licensed electrical work

Any mains-voltage wiring and power supply installation was completed by a licensed electrician, complying with Australian electrical regulations. The LED strips themselves run at safe low voltage through a compliant transformer designed for commercial use.

Lighting quality for product presentation

To enhance shelf appeal, the selected LED strips deliver:

• Warm white illumination to complement timber and glass shelving
  
• High CRI (>90) for accurate bottle colours and labelling detail
  
• Even brightness along the length of each shelf (lumens/m optimised for retail visibility)
  

Neat installation and concealed wiring

JPG Tech planned concealed cable pathways to maintain a clean, seamless finish — no visible drivers, cords or fasteners.

Zero business disruption

All works were scheduled after hours, allowing the store to open as normal the next morning.

Execution: A clean, compliant LED installation

The installation proceeded smoothly:

• All stock was carefully removed from the shelves and reinstated once the work was complete.
  
• LED strips were fitted flush to the underside of each shelf, ensuring an unobtrusive and uniform lighting effect.
  
• Drivers and wiring were secured in concealed locations, improving safety and aesthetics.
  
• The system was tested after installation to ensure consistent brightness and correct operation.
  
• Because the area is used for retail display, IP-protected components were selected where needed to withstand cleaning sprays or incidental moisture.
  

When turned on, the difference was immediate: the premium spirits section became a feature area, warmly illuminated and visually striking from anywhere in the store.

Project Snapshot

What retailers can learn from this project

• High-CRI LED strip lighting can significantly boost the look of premium products and influence customer buying behaviour.
  
• RCM-certified lighting products ensure long-term safety and compliance with Australian EMC and electrical standards.
  
• Concealed wiring and a flush fit elevate the space and create a premium feel.
  
• After-hours installation prevents business downtime.
• Investing in quality lighting is one of the most cost-effective upgrades a retail space can make.

FAQs

What type of LED lighting was installed?

JPG Tech installed RCM-certified warm-white LED strip lighting with a high Colour Rendering Index (CRI > 90) to accurately represent bottle colours and enhance product visibility.

Why is CRI important for retail displays?

CRI (Colour Rendering Index) measures how accurately a light source reproduces colours.
A CRI above 90 ensures:

• Vibrant, true-to-label colours
  
• Attractive appearance of glass and packaging
  
• Consistency across the entire display
  

This improves product appeal and supports better customer decision-making.

Why were the LED strips installed using concealed wiring?

Concealed wiring creates:

• A clean, premium appearance
  
• No visible cords, drivers or fixings
  
• Improved safety in customer areas
  
• A professional aesthetic that matches high-end product displays
  

JPG Tech planned cable routes behind shelving to maintain a seamless look.

Did the installation interrupt business operations?

No, All work was completed after hours, allowing Monbulk Celebrations to open as normal the next day without disruption.

Is this type of lighting energy efficient?

Yes, LED strips consume significantly less power than older halogen or fluorescent options while delivering better brightness and colour accuracy. This reduces operating costs and heat output — ideal for liquor displays.