The major disadvantage of the former approach is the limited flexibility of the entire lighting system. Repositioning is costly, should the retailer decide to rearrange the store layout. The second approach would be to utilize a Flexible Lighting System where the luminaries are not attached permanently. Recent developments in lighting system design pioneered by European lighting manufacturers have resulted in several new, flexible, low voltage systems. Cable systems, twin track and mono track offer incomparable versatility and can be installed in limitless configurations.
Manufacturers now offer a wide range of luminaires that can be moved along the track with ease.
The optimum qualities of incandescent lamps make a light source most appealing for higher end retail stores. These types of lamps are usually dimmable, have outstanding color rendition and are available in different shapes and wattages. Constant improvements in incandescent lamp technology afford lighting system manufacturers ease of introduction of new forms of lighting. Examples are the MR 16 type lamps as well as the development of relatively new low pressure bi-pin lamps have opened new avenues for lighting system manufacturers. The two light sources most commonly used are low voltage halogen and fibre optics.