| Beautiful
Lighting is Not a Stretch for Sasha-Lynne
The Business
Mary
Sonatore, owner of Sasha-Lynne, a women’s clothing store specializing
in yoga and fitness apparel, likes to help women look stylish and feel
comfortable while they’re working out. Her store’s selection
of fitness clothing in trend setting colors and styles allows women to
easily transition from the Lotus position to the checkout line without
looking out of place.
The
Challenge
When Sonatore opened her fitness apparel business in May 2002, she immediately
recognized the need for updated lighting. The existing flood lighting
produced a harsh glare and the fluorescent lighting was cold and uninviting.
The
Solution
The Small Business Energy Allliance replaced energy-guzzling 75-Watt lamps
with energyefficient 14-Watt frosted compact fluorescent lamps. They also
replaced aging fluorescent tubes with high efficiency T-8 fluorescent
tubes and swapped old magnetic ballasts with quiet, flicker-free electronic
ballasts.
The
Outcome
Sonatore, who clearly has an eye for color, loves the warm new color of
her modern lighting. “The lighting is now a softer, pinker yellow
and gives the store a more intimate feeling,” said Sonatore. What’s
more, she was able to achieve the look “without compromising lighting.”
Sonatore recalled that, during the state’s last energy crisis, many
businesses had to turn off lights to reduce energy use. Sonatore was relieved
to use less energy while creating the warm, intimate environment she wants
for her 400 square foot store.
The
Savings
The projected annual savings are $405. Since the Small Business Energy
Alliance paid half of the cost of the retrofit with state-sponsored funds,
Sonatore’s didn’t have to stretch to pay her $107 portion
of the cost. Her payback period is less than four months.
Form
And Function
Sonatore’s new energy efficient lighting system is a lot like the
clothing she carries in her store: modern, efficient and beautiful, all
at the same time. |
