An LED upgrade at the Shears Ahead beauty salon transformed its workspace and improved revenue by creating a more inviting shop for clients and stylists.

When Beth Koblegarde and Lee Irwin bought the shop in 2017 from the previous owner, they faced a failing lighting system. The salon had been operating under the same outdated lighting technology since it opened nearly 40 years earlier. Buzzing, flickering lights created unpleasant working conditions, and a dark interior made it difficult to lease available stations to new practitioners.

Irwin researched new lighting options to fit his budget by consulting with trade allies, manufacturers, and Energy Trust of Oregon. Eventually, he decided to install new LED fixtures, many with occupancy sensors.

Energy Trust provided Shears Ahead with cash incentives of $1,400 toward the overall project cost. Irwin says his monthly energy cost savings are “fabulous”, plus the project is estimated to save 15,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually

“Customers noticed a positive change right away,” commented Koblegarde. “It definitely helped us recruit new people to fully lease our open stations. Plus, it makes it easier for the stylists to see their work, and it makes the customers look fantastic.”