Do you know how much longer customers stay in a store that smells good? According to consumer behavior studies, between 15% and 20% longer. And more time in a store systematically means more sales.
Why scent is the most underutilized retail tool
Stores invest thousands of euros in lighting, window displays, signage, and visual merchandising. But they completely ignore the sense of smell—the sense most directly connected to emotional decisions. Or worse: they damage it with odors from storage, humidity, or cleaning products.
64% of adults have a negative opinion of stores with bad smells. This percentage represents lost sales, customers who don't return, and negative reviews that don't directly mention the smell, because customers aren't always aware that it was the problem.
The most well-known cases of scent marketing in retail
Abercrombie & Fitch
The Fierce fragrance became synonymous with the brand. The scent was so intense and recognizable that customers instantly associated it with the shopping experience. Although the aggressive use has evolved, the principle remains the same: scent as brand identity.
Zara and the Inditex group
Zara uses specific scents for each product line. The olfactory experience in a Zara Woman store is different from that in Zara Man or Zara Kids. The scent reinforces product segmentation and contributes to the perception of quality.
Supermarkets and food retail
Supermarkets have been using scent strategically for decades. The smell of freshly baked bread at the entrance is deliberate. The smell of coffee near the coffee shop, too. The fresh bakery at the back of the supermarket—which forces you to walk through all the aisles—is an olfactory design decision.
How to choose the right scent for your store
There is no universal scent for retail. The correct scent depends on the type of store, the customer profile, and the message you want to convey:
• Fashion and accessories: woody, elegant, slightly floral scents. They convey quality and exclusivity.
• Home and decor: warm scents like vanilla, cinnamon, wood. They create a feeling of comfort.
• Sport and fitness: fresh and energizing scents like mint, citrus, eucalyptus.
• Jewelry and luxury: subtle, sophisticated scents, with oriental or amber notes.
• Food: scents associated with the product—coffee, bread, spices depending on the type of store.
The technology that works in retail
For a store, you need a system that operates consistently during business hours, covers the actual space, is programmable according to daily needs, and requires no supervision. A professional nebulizer is the only technology that meets these requirements.
At BENDIS, we install scent diffusion systems in stores of all sizes, from small boutiques to large department stores. Free device, 250 ml monthly refill, programming from an app. Starting from €39.99/month including VAT.
