scent marketing has been used many times in advertising and at physical locations such as offices
, hotels and various areas of department stores and specialty shops. As the name implies 'scent' stems from research which has proven how closely the sense of smell sends subtle messages to the brain's emotional center. Studies have been conducted to prove how easily and rapidly a particular aroma evokes memories which often alter one's mood as well. Scent marketing research has proven the effect of scents or aromas on consumer reaction causing them to purchase more or to extend their stay in a particular location.
Scent systems are the method used by many businesses such as hotels and the airline industry to attract and retain customer loyalty. For example, Singapore Airlines uses the aroma of lotus blossoms and bamboo as a way to build customer loyalty.
Scent machines can be customized to control the fragrance emitted at any particular time and can be programmed both to change scents and to control the amount of scent emitted via a timer mechanism. These machines can also be adjusted to emit the aroma through micro-misting. One example of how effectively these machines are used in business is the OMNI hotel chain which uses machines customized to emit a fragrance of green tea and lemongrass throughout the lobby and other common areas.
The overall goal of this type of marketing is to increase sales. Appeal to customers and to make a particular business entity stand out from the rest.