Tian Tian, Vauxhall London

Project Brief

Tian Tian Market is a fast-growing contemporary Asian supermarket chain, known for bringing the vibrant energy of modern East and South-East Asian culture to UK high streets. More than just a grocery store, each location is designed to offer an immersive cultural experience, combining carefully curated product ranges with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and customer engagement.

Illuma were asked to design a bespoke lighting scheme that would enhance both functionality and ambience. The lighting needed to ensure clear visibility and excellent product presentation, while also complementing the store’s modern interior design and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for customers.

The goal was to create a visually dynamic space that meets the practical demands of retail and reflects the brand identity of Tian Tian Market. The lighting should help deliver a shopping experience that is not only efficient and well-lit, but also culturally rich and visually engaging.

Solution

Firstly, Illuma’s Quadroled Linear was used to provide general, uniform illumination throughout the store. These linear fittings are positioned along each aisle to ensure an even distribution of light, allowing customers to move comfortably through the space with clear visibility. This consistent lighting helps shoppers view products with ease and make purchasing decisions confidently, contributing to a more relaxed and enjoyable shopping experience.

In addition, spotlights are used to highlight key features, emphasise textures, and draw attention to details within the wooden interior, creating layers of visual interest throughout the space. By directing light toward these focal points, the spotlights naturally guide customers' attention around the shop floor, encouraging them to engage more closely with highlighted products.

The contrast between the warm general lighting and focused spotlights accentuates the textures and tones of the interior, giving the space a more tactile and inviting feel. These subtle visual cues help guide customers naturally through the store, encouraging exploration and increasing dwell time, which can positively influence purchasing behaviour. Additionally, this layered lighting approach ensures the environment feels dynamic rather than flat. It adds depth to the visual experience without overpowering the overall ambience.

Overall, the lighting demonstrates how well-considered illumination can transform a retail environment. The combination of linear general lighting and targeted spotlights achieves a careful balance between functionality and atmosphere. The result is a space that feels warm, inviting and visually engaging, while also supporting customer comfort, ease of navigation and confident purchasing decisions. By enhancing both the practical and emotional aspects of the shopping experience, the lighting scheme reinforces Tian Tian’s identity and helps establish the store as a memorable and distinctive destination for customers.

Our National Retail Manager, Rob Chesterfield said "Working with the Tian Tian team is an absolute pleasure their attention to detail is meticulous, delivering results that are luxurious in feel and ambiance, having a firm understanding of the clients brief and finished look is important during the design process and ensuring delivery of the vision. I look forward to working with the team on their upcoming projects."