A meta-analytic comparison of scent effect between retailing and hospitality
International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management
ISSN: 0959-0552
Article publication date: 5 April 2024
Issue publication date: 7 May 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This meta-analysis aims to examine and compare the pleasant ambient scent effects on consumers’ affective, cognitive and behavioural responses in the retail and hospitality sectors.
Design/methodology/approach
55 articles, including 102 effect sizes, are collected from electronic databases and search engines. The effect of pleasant ambient scents on consumer responses is examined using meta-regression analysis.
Findings
The results show a positive effect of pleasant ambient scent on all responses in both sectors, while the effects on cognitive and behavioural responses are stronger in hospitality than retailing. Moreover, the scent effects in hospitality research vary with method aspects, including sampling frame, research design, setting and location.
Research limitations/implications
The findings provide theoretical insights on the sensory tangibilization of experience and methodological insights on designing scent research.
Originality/value
The stronger effect of pleasant ambient scents on cognitive and behavioural responses in a hospitality environment signals that contextual differences should not be neglected. Moreover, hospitality researchers need to stay vigilant to the methodological influence on the findings about scent effects. These findings enrich the sensory marketing literature, in which contextual comparison is scarce.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research is funded by the Specialized Subsidy Scheme for the Tourism Education and Training for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area under the Agreement No. TET-UMAC-2021-01.
Citation
Fong, L.H.N., Wang, E.Y., Ricaforte, B.G.R. and Costa, R.A. (2024), "A meta-analytic comparison of scent effect between retailing and hospitality", International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, Vol. 52 No. 4, pp. 461-476. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJRDM-08-2023-0508
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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