Coles Supermarket LED Lighting Retrofit – Sydney
Project Overview
FusionBrite partnered with Coles Supermarket in Sydney, NSW to execute a complete LED lighting retrofit across a 12,000 sqm facility. The project replaced outdated 400W metal halide and T8 fluorescent fixtures with advanced linear LED systems, achieving immediate operational and financial benefits.
Key Result: 60% reduction in energy consumption with a 14-month ROI.
Background
Coles operates one of Sydney’s highest-traffic supermarkets, open 24/7 to serve both local residents and commuters. Prior to the upgrade, the store relied on:
- 400W metal halide high-bays
- T8 fluorescent battens
- Halogen downlights in fresh food zones
These systems presented multiple challenges:
- High electricity costs
- Frequent lamp failures (every 6–8 months)
- Poor colour rendering for fresh produce
- Uneven illumination in aisles
Challenge
The retrofit needed to address four critical constraints:
- Zero downtime – No disruption to store operations or shopper experience.
- Lighting quality – Accurate colour rendering for meat, bakery, and fresh produce.
- Energy efficiency – Significant kWh reduction to meet corporate sustainability targets.
- Maintenance reduction – Minimize ongoing service calls and replacement labour.
Any lighting failure during peak trading hours would directly impact sales and customer satisfaction.
Solution
FusionBrite designed and installed a turnkey linear LED lighting solution, tailored to Coles’ operational requirements.
Products Installed
- 2,400+ Linear LED Battens
- 1200mm, 1500mm, and 2400mm configurations
- High-efficacy performance for continuous operation
- Smart Lighting Controls
- DALI and 0–10V dimming compatibility
- Occupancy and daylight harvesting integration
Installation Approach
- Phased rollout over 3 weeks
- Nightshift installation teams
- Zero interruption to store opening hours
Results
The retrofit delivered measurable improvements across energy, maintenance, and commercial performance.
| Metric | Before | After | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Consumption | 100% | 40% | ✅ 60% reduction |
| Annual Electricity Cost | $300,000 | $120,000 | ✅ $180,000 saved |
| Maintenance Frequency | Every 6 months | Every 5 years | ✅ 85% fewer calls |
| Colour Rendering Index | CRI 65 | CRI 82 | ✅ Better product appeal |
| Shopper Dwell Time | Baseline | +15% | ✅ Higher sales |
“The improvement in lighting quality was immediate. Fresh produce looks better, aisles are brighter, and our energy bills have dropped significantly.”
— Facilities Manager, Coles Sydney
Why This Matters for Retail & Stores
Retail lighting directly influences:
- Shopper behaviour – Brighter stores increase purchase confidence.
- Product presentation – Accurate colours drive fresh food sales.
- Operational costs – Energy and maintenance are two of the largest OPEX lines.
For Australian supermarkets, LED retrofits are no longer optional—they are a financial imperative.
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