In the furniture world, customization capabilities have helped retailers set themselves apart from online competition, and they've been a staple of the luxury market. While there are some fantastic lighting manufacturers that do custom work, most abide by the business-as-usual method: release a collection, add a few different sizes and finishes and hope it does well.
At Lightovation, it's clear that way of doing business may be changing just a bit.
In an effort to reach a diverse group of consumers with diverse and changing needs, manufacturers are taking new approaches to how they design fixtures. Thus far, two methods appear to be popular: adjustable fixtures and customize programs.
Here's what you need to know.
Adjustable, adaptable fixtures
You're probably very familiar with the sputnik style pendant. Its starburst-like design is representative of Mid-Century Modern design itself, and its arms could usually be pushed and pulled in a number of directions. No two fixtures had to look exactly the same.
Though the style has been popular for several markets, sputnik style may have launched the interest in adjustable fixtures. It seems every showroom has launched a collection with some type of adjustable element to it.
Popular adjustable methods include:
- Cables on pendant fixtures that can be raised or lowered.
- Arms on linear fixtures and pendants that can be repositioned in different directions.
- Additional caps or decorative discs that can be added or taken off narrow, cylindrical pendants.
Many of these styles have been around for a while, but it was telling to see and hear from manufacturers about their push into adjustable fixtures. It's becoming the norm to see fixtures with multiple configurations, as well as several styles (flush mount, chandelier, sconce, for example).
Customization programs
This market, Golden Lighting released its 5+ Program. The company, which sells exclusively to lighting showrooms, developed the program with these retailers in mind.
The program works like this: A lighting showroom displays one or two versions of the Leighton fixture, a cage lantern design that's both open and minimalistic in style, in its showroom. If a customer would prefer a different color or finish, the showroom will place an order with Golden Lighting. All the different parts are stored in the company's warehouse in Florida, and within 48 hours, Golden can have the product shipped out.
Other manufacturers have launched similar programs. Hinkley also released a new customization program for its new outdoor collection Its program works in the same way, and its products ship out of Ohio. Quoizel is trying out a customization program with their pendants, allowing customers to choose different styles and finishes to find the perfect fit.
These programs offer more ways for showrooms to differentiate themselves from online as well as local competition, and they give consumers that personalized touch that comes with custom jobs.
Retailers, tell us: Do your customers value customization? Share with us in the comments!
