When it comes to boosting sales, most brands focus on what people see: visuals, logos, displays. But science tells us we may be missing the most powerful influence of all — scent.
Research has shown that scent can increase purchase intent by 80%, extend dwell time, and make customers rate the store more positively — even if nothing else changes.
So why aren’t more businesses tapping into this powerful sense? And how can SmartGifty help you go one step further — turning those good vibes into real loyalty?
The Neuroscience of Smell
Scent bypasses logical thought and goes straight to the limbic system, the part of our brain responsible for emotions and memory. That’s why a single whiff of sunscreen can take you back to a childhood summer, or why smelling cinnamon might make you crave your grandmother’s kitchen.
In marketing terms, this means scent can create strong emotional anchors. The more positive the emotion, the stronger the memory — and the more likely a person is to return.
Real Numbers, Real Impact
- Ambient scent increased customer spending by up to 23% in a Nike study, especially when the scent matched the product (e.g., leather for shoes).
- In casinos, scented zones generated 45% more revenue than unscented ones.
- A hotel group found that guests exposed to their signature scent were more likely to give higher ratings in reviews and return again.
Smell doesn’t just sell — it sticks.
From Scent to Smart Loyalty
So how does this connect with digital gift cards?
Simple: the emotional state triggered by a sensory experience is the perfect moment to start a loyalty relationship.
Let’s say a customer just walked out of a beautifully scented candle shop, spa, or boutique. They feel relaxed, happy, and positive. Now imagine they receive a small digital “thank you” or surprise voucher within 48 hours of that moment.
👉 Emotion + Timing = Loyalty.
SmartGifty allows you to automate that emotional connection — using digital gestures to reinforce a sensory experience and start a relationship, not just a transaction.
Smart Use Cases for Sensory Loyalty
- Candle & fragrance shops: Reward customers who spend time exploring scents.
- Spas & wellness centers: Send a personalized “Come back soon” gift card after a relaxing massage.
- Cafés & bakeries: Trigger a follow-up perk after they purchase a freshly brewed specialty.
- Luxury boutiques: Combine ambient scenting with SmartGifty’s elegant gifting options to amplify perceived value.
These are low-cost, high-impact gestures — especially effective in summer, when senses are more stimulated, and emotions run high.
Final Thought: Loyalty is Emotional
People don’t remember your store because of the layout. They remember how you made them feel.
Scent creates the feeling. SmartGifty helps you seal it.
So next time you light that lavender candle or brew your signature blend, think of it as a spark — and use digital gifting to turn that moment into a memory.
