The smell of popcorn wafting through a movie theater’s air isn’t just a ploy to lure customers to the concession stand. It’s a well-known strategy in retail, with research showing that shoppers spend more money when surrounded by a pleasant scent.

Geur voor winkelervaring the music piped in to the way a store is laid out, many small businesses don’t realize how much the signature scent can elevate their brand and influence purchasing behavior. But as consumers become more discerning, and as online retailers gain ground on brick-and-mortar locations, scent has emerged as a key differentiator for physical stores that can help attract shoppers to the aisles.

The Role of Scent in Enhancing the Shopping Experience

As the olfactory system has direct connections to our emotions and memory centers, it’s easy to see why scent can trigger powerful associations in people and encourage them to shop longer or buy more. In fact, a study conducted by neurologist Alan Hirsch showed that when shoes were offered in both a scented and an unscented boutique, shoppers were 84% more likely to purchase the pair from the smelling store.

But the right scent doesn’t have to be overpowering or directly related to the product a store sells. Instead, a subtle scent can work wonders in creating the desired ambiance for a customer, and our brains process aromas subconsciously. For a relaxing atmosphere, calming scents such as lavender or vanilla are a good fit. If you want to make a store feel lively and invigorated, try hints of citrus or fresh fruit scents. Or if your customers are looking to connect with romance and love, consider warm scents such as cinnamon or vanilla, while floral scents like rose inspire feelings of positivity and happiness.