Page 130 - enLIGHTenment Magazine - January 2017

Retail Spotlight

The interior of the however, European manufacturers such as Ar- Through Urban Lighting’s Trade Program, local
showroom is kept a temide, Flos, Foscarini, Fontana Arte, Terzani, are architects, interior designers, and lighting consul-

monochromatic clean also showcased. “We’re very niche-oriented here tants receive bene ts such as discount pricing;
white, while the front
window displays are and have in-depth knowledge,” he states.
real-time dedicated customer support (in-store,
In addition to Jackson, Celia Rivera has been by phone or email); product training; literature
for showing pops
of color to a ract with the showroom for the past 14 years and is and speci cation sheets; and access to nish and
a ention.
bilingual, which is especially helpful considering xture samples.

San Diego’s proximity to Mexico. “Our [Mexican] The surrounding community is a strong support

clientele is on a di erent level of sophistication. of Urban Lighting, voting the store a “Favorite Shop-
Many are very wealthy who either live in this area ping – Home Décor” destination in the Gaslamp

or have a second home here,” she comments. district’s prestigious Lamplighter Award several
While they may be able to speak and understand times – “even when Design Within Reach was near-

English, having someone knowledgeable on sta by,” Jackson quips. The Lamplighter Awards are

who is uent in Spanish makes it easier for con- bestowed by the Gaslamp Quarter Association,
versation about design ideas to ow more easily.
a non-pro t trade organization representing the

400 businesses located in the Gaslamp Quarter
National Historic District.

Regular customers know to pop in frequently to

check out the store’s new arrivals. Jackson and his
team change the front windows every few months “We’re very niche-oriented here

and bring new merchandise in (and old items out) and have in-depth knowledge.”
approximately once a quarter.

In addition, Urban Lighting does a brisk Internet

business, o ering free shipping on most items and
a price-matching guarantee (including shipping

and tax) on the identical product from any U.S.
authorized dealer in writing.
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128 enLIGHTenment Magazine | january 2017
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