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Ambient scent as a mood inducer in supermarkets: The role of scent intensity and time-pressure of shoppers

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  • Leenders, Mark A.A.M.
  • Smidts, Ale
  • Haji, Anouar El

Abstract

This research aims to study the effect of a carefully selected congruent and simple ambient scent in a real-world supermarket setting. Specifically, we study how different levels of scent intensity affect shopper's mood, behavior and evaluations in a space with naturally occurring scents. Using electrostatic aroma diffusers, we apply a carefully selected melon scent at three different intensity levels in a large store of a major supermarket operator. The results show that, in the condition with high scent intensity, the scent has a significant positive effect on shopper’s store evaluations, time spent in store and store level sales. We provide evidence that mood is, as expected, a strong mediator of the effect of scent on positive evaluations. We also find that scent, used as a mood inducer, is especially effective for hurried shoppers. Interestingly, in terms of general mood inducement, we find that shoppers tend to overestimate the amount of time spent shopping at lower intensity levels and underestimate time spent shopping at high scent intensity levels. Implications for marketing and store management are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Leenders, Mark A.A.M. & Smidts, Ale & Haji, Anouar El, 2019. "Ambient scent as a mood inducer in supermarkets: The role of scent intensity and time-pressure of shoppers," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 270-280.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joreco:v:48:y:2019:i:c:p:270-280
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2016.05.007
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    4. Ardelet, Caroline & Fleck, Nathalie & Grobert, Julien, 2022. "When a clean scent soothes the soul: Developing a positive attitude toward sharing service space with strangers," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    5. Francisco I. Vega-Gómez & Francisco J. Miranda-Gonzalez & Jesús Pérez Mayo & Óscar Rodrigo González-López & Laura Pascual-Nebreda, 2020. "The Scent of Art. Perception, Evaluation, and Behaviour in a Museum in Response to Olfactory Marketing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-15, February.
    6. Caroline Ardelet & Nathalie Fleck & Julien Grobert, 2022. "When a clean scent soothes the soul: Developing a positive attitude toward sharing service space with strangers," Post-Print hal-04210965, HAL.
    7. Jebarajakirthy, Charles & Das, Manish & Maggioni, Isabella & Sands, Sean & Dharmesti, Maria & Ferraro, Carla, 2021. "Understanding on-the-go consumption: A retail mix perspective," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 58(C).
    8. Silva, Joaquim & Sá, Elisabete Sampaio & Escadas, Marco & Carvalho, Joana, 2021. "The influence of ambient scent on the passengers’ experience, emotions and behavioral intentions: An experimental study in a Public Bus service," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 88-98.

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