THE OUTCOME
| Annual Energy Savings | Annual Cost Savings | Fixtures Commissioned | Improved Lighting Levels |
| 212,587 kWh/Yr | $15,625.15 | 1,687 | 61% |
With a large number of retail outlets across the U.S., H&M needed to enhance in-store lighting quality while keeping the existing fixtures intact. Over time, the original light sources installed in many stores had become outdated—leading to reduced brightness, inconsistent product visibility, and rising maintenance concerns.
IKIO conducted a detailed audit of their existing lighting systems and collaborated closely with the client’s team to understand fixture build types and performance expectations. The result was a fully custom solution—the Marvela Retrofit Lights—engineered and developed in-house by IKIO specifically for H&M’s retail environments. This ensured seamless fit, consistent visual output, and a simplified rollout process tailored to their operational requirements.
This project addressed practical challenges such as:
Standardize lighting across diverse store layouts and ceiling types
Improve illumination in visual merchandising areas and perimeter walls
Reduce energy use and long-term maintenance requirements
Avoid full fixture overhauls to preserve the existing ceiling grid
Enable seamless installation without impacting retail operations
IKIO'S PROBLEM-SOLVING APPROACH
IKIO carried out a detailed evaluation of store layouts and fixture types. The proposed solution—Marvela Retrofit Lights—offered a quick and compatible upgrade using existing fixtures with G12, GU6.5, and G8.5 base types. This allowed for simple replacement of internal light sources without disturbing the outer structure or mounting systems.
Each store received pre-planned kits with zone-based labeling, enabling efficient overnight installation. Lighting performance was modeled in advance to ensure ideal brightness, spread, and visual impact across key zones like displays, wall racks, and promotional setups.
SOLUTIONS DELIVERED
The new layout significantly improved visibility ensured uniform lighting across critical zones, and reduced system complexity for the school’s maintenance teams.
TECHNICAL BREAKDOWN
|
Issue |
Before |
After |
Result |
| Game Readiness | Inadequate lighting | Sport-specific layouts for football and baseball | Extended play hours and safer conditions |
| Field Coverage Gaps |
Varied base types across stores |
Full redesign with compact optics | Uniform lighting across all zones |
|
Energy Consumption |
Higher load from outdated light sources |
500W LEDs at 154.4 lm/W efficacy | 673,920 kWh saved/year; $49,533.12 cost savings |
|
Engagement & Events |
Limited working window due to store hours |
RGBW-enabled for branding, rallies, school functions | Boosted visibility and spirit-night impact |
| Installation Disruption |
Repeated servicing due to burnout and aging tech |
Pre-phased pole mapping and layout sequencing | Zero downtime; no field closures |
AREAS COVERED
Checkout lanes
Fitting rooms
Wall displays and merchandise racks
Featured product zones and seasonal displays
Open retail floor zones
Each area received layout-specific lighting design to ensure appropriate lux levels, directional emphasis, and brand consistency.
CLIENT PERSPECTIVE
“With Marvela, we didn’t need to replace entire fixtures or close stores. It gave us the lighting performance we wanted—quickly, efficiently, and without interrupting business. The process was smooth from end to end.”
— H&M Store Development Team
