Although other issues seem to be prioritised in terms of investment at present, given the current volatile global situation, issues such as climate change and sustainable business practices remain major challenges for the retail sector, both now and in the future. There is a demand from both the market and political guidelines for innovative, energy-efficient and sustainable solutions in shopfitting and digital lighting technology. Alongside resource-efficient production, the lighting industry is placing greater emphasis on recyclability and the circular economy.
From 22 to 26 February 2026, exhibitors in the shop lighting sector will present future-ready concepts and products to trade visitors at EuroShop, the world's No. 1 retail trade fair in Düsseldorf and continue to drive forward the transformation of brick-and-mortar retail.
Further evolutionary leap in LED technology
Quantum dot technology is likely to be a key talking point among trade fair visitors. This innovation in lighting technology could represent another evolutionary leap for shop lighting for the retail sector. QDLED provides an even higher level of light quality and efficiency compared to conventional phosphor-based LEDs. It boasts purer colours, superior colour rendering (CRI up to 97), brighter and more brilliant light and reduced energy losses. QDLED is ideal for forward-looking retail and smart lighting concepts, offering colour fidelity, flexible controllability and simplicity in food retail, drugstores, fashion retail and other brick-and-mortar retail formats.
Light as an integral part of storytelling
Following the major advances in LED technology in recent years, the success story of digital lighting technology is far from over. In fact, as Trilux, a lighting manufacturer and exhibitor based in Arnsberg, Germany, points out, shop lighting has evolved significantly in recent years since EuroShop 2023: However, the focus is shifting from the pure lighting efficiency of individual light sources to a holistic view of the wider impact of lighting. This encompasses the interplay of light, space and emotion, as well as the effectiveness of the overall store concept. Brands are increasingly using light as an integral part of their storytelling. Light sets the scene for themed worlds, translates brand values into atmosphere and fosters brand recognition. According to industry observers, this is leading to a greater variety of concepts that consider both functional and decorative elements – often incorporating local characteristics and cultural motifs. "The trend is clearly towards greater brand-specific differentiation through tailor-made lighting solutions that combine identity with a sense of wellbeing," summarises Joachim Schürholz, Managing Director of Trilux Retail GmbH.
Depending on the brand's orientation or focus within the store concept, the future of shop lighting lies in striking a balance between reduction and experience. On the one hand, there is a trend towards minimalist track lighting systems in the background to visually tidy up the space and create a clean-looking store appearance. On the other hand, light and luminaires are becoming tools for creating immersive and emotional lighting designs. These designs enhance the brand experience, while the purely functional significance of the luminaires recedes into the background. Regardless of the individual objectives of a shop concept, shop lighting plays a decisive role in creating the desired atmosphere.
According to Trilux, the aim is to implement complex lighting concepts efficiently despite limited personnel and technical resources. These systems must excel technically, enhance the atmosphere of the shop and be easy to plan and install. They must also be fault-tolerant and stable during rollout. The company is committed to supporting and assisting users with a comprehensive range of lighting solutions and services. At the same time, Trilux aims to provide retailers with tools that enable them to design lighting environments quickly, safely and creatively, bringing more brilliance, atmosphere and efficiency to the store.
Lighting provides the infrastructure for technological change
Good lighting and intelligently designed systems are no longer just used to illuminate merchandise or interior architecture. "The digital lighting infrastructure in brick-and-mortar retail is increasingly serving as the basis for a wide variety of components that require electrical or data-based power," emphasises Jörg Linden, Global Application Manager Retail at Austrian technology company Zumtobel. When combined into a single system, interfaces are being redesigned to make lighting and retail technology even more efficient and cost-effective. Physical and digital infrastructure are merging to create a holistic "phygital" world. New lighting concepts create emotionally charged brand presentations to enhance the customer journey. They combine sustainability, innovation, retail experiences and digitalisation. At the same time, they offer maximum flexibility, variability and ease of use, providing retailers with greater benefits and convenience.
Retail becomes a stage
Hot topics in retail such as networking, IoT and AI are likely to provide trade visitors with plenty of inspiration on the subject of customer experience during the February trade fair, for example with the "New Retail" concept. Partner companies from the fields of shopfitting, content management and other advertising service providers, together with Zumtobel as a lighting specialist, will demonstrate how New Retail Solutions can transform brick-and-mortar retail into an interactive experience. The retail store becomes a stage that aims to engage, inspire and bring brands to life. Flexible retail lighting that combines AI, content management, lighting control and sensory environments creates a spatial and atmospheric experience. This allows dynamic and individual marketing and lighting situations to be created at the POS based on variables such as the time of day, weather conditions or recognised customer groups. Overall, the concept aims to revolutionise customer engagement in brick-and-mortar retail, evoke positive emotions and elevate the shopping experience to a new level.
