Ever walked into a supermarket and instantly felt your mouth water at the aroma of freshly baked bread? Or found yourself drawn to a clothing store that smells clean and inviting? This isn’t a coincidence—it’s science. Retailers use scent marketing to influence customer behaviour and increase sales, and it works better than you’d think.

Our sense of smell is directly tied to the brain’s limbic system, which controls memory and emotion. A strategically placed scent can create a positive impression, trigger nostalgia, or evoke a sense of comfort—all powerful tools to encourage spending.

• Supermarkets: The smell of freshly baked bread isn’t just appetising—it makes you feel at home, increasing the chances you’ll linger and fill your cart.
• Clothing Stores: Many brands use subtle fragrances like citrus or floral scents to create an environment that feels fresh and luxurious, encouraging you to try—and buy.
• Coffee Shops: That coffee aroma wafting outside isn’t just luck; it’s designed to lure you in and spark a craving.

Research shows scent marketing can substantially increase sales and improve customer mood. For example, one study found that pleasant scents in a retail store made customers feel like they spent less time shopping, even if they stayed longer.

Have you noticed scents influencing your shopping habits? Let us know what smells make you linger—and maybe even buy!