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December 2009 – Two Alliance Associates are teaming up to create energy-efficient business solutions in the retail sector.
Wal-Mart recently selected fellow Associate Cree to provide energy-efficient LED lighting to new and retrofitted stores in 2010. 650 stores are expected to outfit their electronics and produce departments with these lights, which consume 82 percent less energy than standard incandescent lightbulbs.
According to Cree, these LED lights also reduce glare, making shopping more pleasant and products more appealing. Says Cree LED Lighting President Hunter Neal, “We’re able to do all this while reducing energy consumption and eliminating toxic mercury.”
Many are hailing Wal-Mart’s foray into efficient lighting as a potential gamechanger for the LED retail lighting businesses. If the effect is anything like that seen in municipalities – where LED outdoor lighting became popular after a few municipalities reported favorably on the product – then retail outlets will soon follow Wal-Mart’s example.
"It's also great to see Wal-Mart transition to solid-state lighting, as they did with refrigeration," said Jed Dorsheimer, an analyst with Canaccord Adams Inc. "Typically, they lead the market by one to two years."
Read more about Cree and Wal-Mart's partnership.
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