Retail parking lots include all types of retail establishments, from fast food restaurants to
regional shopping malls. The priorities for lighting these parking lots include
building attraction, safety, security and aesthetics. Since these retail
establishments depend on customers who notice their building and feel safe coming
after dark, the light levels are often above IES recommendations.
Retail parking lots need either metal halide or high pressure sodium lamps. If color rendition is a priority, then, of course, metal halide is the superior choice. Fixtures need to be chosen based on the style of the buildings and the layout of the parking lot. To create an intimate, classy look,
Post Top fixtures are a good choice for smaller lots and upscale shopping facilities. Large parking lots with built-in medians might also benefit from Post Top fixtures. The wide selection of styles makes it easy to choose one that will blend in with the styling of the buildings.
Directional Flood fixtures are another good choice. They can be aimed so very little light is wasted. Depending on the dimensions of the parking lot, Directional Floods can also serve to illuminate the front of the building to attract attention.
Cobrahead and Shoebox Type-four fixtures can also be used in interior locations to light parking lots. However, light trespass can be a problem, if they are positioned along the perimeter of a lot. Shoebox fixtures give a more sophisticated and polished look than do Cobrahead fixtures.
