A first-of-its-kind LED-to-LED (re-LED) retrofit program is helping a leading national retailer brighten every aisle, cut operating costs, and set the standard for sustainability.
The Opportunity
As one of the fastest-growing U.S. retailers, this national chain has expanded to over 20,000 locations across 48 states. Its strategy is to position stores outside the shadow of giant discount retailers. As a result, they’ve built a reputation on customer convenience and accessibility. Since 2015, the company has focused on energy conservation, emphasizing the use of LED lighting to reduce costs and environmental impact.
While the retailer’s early commitment to LED set a high bar for efficiency, the technology has continued to advance dramatically since those first installations. The first wave of LED lamps, installed over a decade ago, is consuming nearly double the energy of the latest generation of modern lamps currently available. By seizing the moment to upgrade, the retailer can unlock substantial cost savings again and continue leading the way in sustainability.
The Solution
To maximize efficiency and long-term value, the retailer partnered with US LED to launch a large-scale retrofit pilot program across 982 stores, upgrading the first-generation Star-T8 15W LED lamps to innovative 8.9W UL Type B T8 lamps. These lamps, available with single or double-ended wiring options, deliver the highest efficiency in the industry without compromising light quality. Once installed, they provide illumination for up to 200,000 hours (L70), with lifetimes that outlast alternatives are backed by US LED’s industry-leading Ten-Year Warranty for peace of mind.
Beyond the product, US LED provided its proven end-to-end expertise to ensure the program’s success. The dedicated project management team coordinated every detail across hundreds of sites, while turnkey installation crews executed nationwide. US LED’s comprehensive approach simplified deployment for the retailer without disruption and set up a scalable model for rolling out more locations in the future.
The Benefits
The results of the re-LED program have been transformative. Each of the 982 stores will now save 10,754 kWh of electricity annually, totaling over $1 million in yearly energy savings. These savings will continue, freeing resources for reinvestment in store operations and growth.
Beyond the financial impact, the program continues to reduce the retailer’s carbon footprint, reinforcing its leadership in environmental responsibility. Employees and customers benefit from consistent, comfortable lighting while the company benefits from lower maintenance costs and better efficiency.
The success of the program has set the stage for an ambitious rollout consisting of an additional 3,000 store conversions planned over the next three years. It further demonstrates how LED early adopters can unlock even more savings by embracing the next generation of lighting technology.
