Of all our senses, smell is by far the least perceived sense. However, it has a huge impact on how we perceive the world around us. The right scent can transform an otherwise ordinary space into one that is perceived as luxurious and classy. Conversely, the wrong smell can create an immediate negative feeling and cause your customers to leave without making a purchase. The use of spatial scenting in the retail space is a critical tool that many businesses have embraced as an ally in the fierce competition with online commerce.
How do businesses use scents to increase sales?
Smell is closely related to memory and the senses. When we inhale a scent, it passes through our olfactory system, which is connected to both the amygdala, responsible for processing emotions, and the hippocampus, which helps turn short-term moments into long-term memories. This is the reason why smells from our childhood evoke such strong emotions even decades after they were last smelled. Scent marketing has long been used to capitalize on these emotions, which is why many realtors recommend filling your home with warm and inviting smells before putting it up for sale. This is an easy and effective way to create a feeling of welcome and comfort for a potential buyer, as it involuntarily evokes memories of their childhood home.
Scenting is used in many different sectors, including hotels, medical centers, and even airlines. As customers perceive these scents, they create an emotional connection with brands based on this scent. After this point, consumers will always associate specific scents with these companies, which will strengthen the brand and instill familiarity and loyalty. For this, you just need to choose the right scent.
How can professional scents help your business?
Think about all the hard work you put into ensuring your guests have a positive customer experience at your business or showroom. You’ve created eye-catching displays that encourage them to interact with and buy products. You’ve chosen music that will keep them awake and engaged. Maybe you’ve also prepared food and drinks for them to look at all the products you have to offer.
One of the important nuances that many businesses forget is smell. Scenting a space can increase sales by up to 60%. The average customer may spend 3% to 23% more than they would normally spend. Choosing the right scent for your space can have a direct impact on your bottom line. Not only are you likely to increase your sales, but you’re also creating a customer experience that will keep your customers coming back for more.
Which scents sell the most?
A lot of research has been done on how smells can change our emotions and behavior. Researchers have discovered that warm scents like amber and vanilla not only make customers stay longer but can also make your products appear more expensive and high-quality. Customers exposed to professional scenting are willing to pay 10%-15% more for a product than in an unscented store. It’s not just that. Warm scents can also change your perception of how crowded a store will seem, as they create a very strong sense of comfort. If customers feel as if they are competing with others, they will try to balance this feeling by purchasing luxury products that will give them a sense of power. This is a powerful tactic that any store can use to directly influence customer behavior.
There are many advantages to creating a custom scent for your business. You’ll be able to have a deeper emotional impact on your customers’ buying experience. You won’t find this effect in other sales tactics. Customers will tend to stay longer and spend more. In addition, you will remain in the memory of your customers for a long time. All this will lead to more sales in the coming years.
How can we help you?
Customers already consider many details when choosing, venues must also think in detail when choosing an indoor scent. Contact us to discover how we can help your business and brand connect emotionally with customers.