Most adults begin experiencing noticeable changes in near vision in their early to mid-40s. This is commonly caused by presbyopia, which is the eye’s natural decline in its ability to focus on nearby objects over time.
In a shopping setting, the result is simple: small print gets harder to read, especially in dim lighting. (link)
Ingredients. Nutrition facts. Claims. Dosage directions. Price labels. Product comparisons. All of this reading happens in the 3-foot zone right in front of the shopper at the shelf level.
If lighting isn’t ideal, the shelf becomes harder to shop, especially for the growing number of shoppers whose eyes simply need more light.
Why Aging Eyes Need More Light
Research on lighting and aging shows that less light reaches the retina as we get older, meaning higher illumination levels are needed to see fine detail clearly.
Studies suggest that older adults may require up to three times more light than younger adults when performing tasks that involve reading small text or distinguishing fine detail (link). Some estimates suggest that adults aged 55 and older may require a minimum 540 lux of light to comfortably read fine print, and even higher levels may be needed depending on contrast and surrounding lighting conditions (link).
Now imagine how this impacts the shopping experience for our aging population.
Unfortunately, traditional overhead retail lighting doesn’t always deliver consistent, abundant, readable light, especially for aging eyes.
Why Retailers Should Care
Designing stores that are easier for older shoppers to navigate and read is smart retail.
Older consumers remain highly engaged in physical retail. A 2023 retail survey found that 74% of shoppers aged 65+ and 71% of shoppers aged 55–64 still purchase products in-store, demonstrating the continued importance of the in-store experience for this demographic.
Many older shoppers also visit stores frequently, making the quality of the in-store environment even more important over time.
How Shelf Lighting Improves the Shopping Experience
Unlike traditional overhead retail lighting, shelf lighting places illumination at the product and label level, exactly where shoppers need it most.
Shelf edge illumination (often integrated as LED display lighting on gondolas or retail store displays) improves:
- Readability
Labels, ingredients, and pricing information are easier to see without straining.
- Confidence
Better visibility makes it easier for shoppers to compare products and evaluate options.
- Comfort
Consistent shelf-edge lighting reduces shadows and glare that can make reading difficult.
- Visual merchandising
Products appear clearer, colors “pop”, and the entire category feels more organized and intentional.
By increasing illumination where shoppers actually make decisions, shelf lighting helps ensure the visibility needed for all shoppers, including those whose eyes require more light to read comfortably.
A practical way to start
If you’re trying to make your store more accessible for older shoppers, you don’t need to light every shelf on day one.
Start where label-reading and comparison matter most to older shoppers:
- Health & Beauty
- Pharmacy
- Specialty diet sections
- Any category with dense packaging and high decision effort
From there, expand into areas where you want more attention, more clarity, or a more premium feel for all shoppers.
Contact us today to discuss project ideas and learn more about how we can help your store and shoppers. We’re confident you’ll see your sales and profitability in a whole new light.
