The second area in which LEDs are steadily climbing ahead is in comparison to the more traditional fluorescent tube lighting. Using LED lights offers businesses the chance for more options, such as varying colours, dimness and brightness. This has specific advantages in the retail sector because it allows merchants to highlight specific areas in shops or showrooms. It also means that new lighting technologies can be used on their own – or as part of a mix of lighting components which in turn can be used very successfully to create an atmosphere full of impact.
Traditionally, fluorescent lighting was seen as the favourable option because it is cheaper than LED lights. However, consumers are now coming around to the idea that although fluorescent lights may mean less cost initially, over time these lights end up costing rather more than LEDs. So whilst the latter may take time to recoup the initial outlay, they end up costing less in the long term. In addition, they have a positive benefit on the environment, energy consumption and their durability is far more than fluorescent tube lights. In line with this, the increasing product market is giving consumers confidence and therefore they are more likely to convert to the energy efficient option.
And just to make LEDs a much more convincing alternative, the technology is improving swiftly. Market leader Philips now supplies the Instafit LED T8 light as a direct alternative to the traditional fluorescent tube lamp. Once the major retailers are seen to be putting their faith in the newer technology, there will follow a swift and substantial increase in product uptake, especially considering that with the LED light, Philips claim that consumers can make a 40% saving in related energy costs.
