Apple just recently opened the doors to their stunning new store on the weekend in France.  Set in a former bank, the Paris Opera Apple Store is a refreshing sight in comparison to the usual mall Apple Store.  Unobtrusive and respectful of the Parisian cityscape, the new store is a delightful amalgamation of historic architecture, innovative technology, and stunning product design.

What would retail experiences be like if all major companies integrated their brick and mortar stores uniquely to their local environments?  What if there were no such thing as 40 page in-store guidelines to adhere to?

- Heather

There is an emerging trend in retail that you have likely encountered during your last trip to the mall. It’s known as scent branding. Retailers like Abercrombie & Fitch have been using this technique for years but it is becoming more apparent in several other retail segments.

The theory behind using atmospheric scent is that smell is considered to be the strongest of the five senses. The olfactory bulb is directly connected to the limbic system in the brain; this is the area that controls behaviour and emotion. (Refer to diagram below) Scents help trigger memories and evoke emotions it can also help consumers associate with a particular brand.

This ambiance tool needs to be carefully used, what may draw one person into the store may repel another! Therefore subtle more neutral aromas are likely more fitting. The scent should also complement the product offering i.e. baby powder fragrance in a children’s apparel store or coconut oil scent in a swimsuit department, which UK retailer Harrods used.

What are your thoughts? Do you think scent branding provides an improved retail experience?

- Veronica