As Halloween approaches, businesses in various industries are embracing festive themes, from decorations to seasonal offerings. One trend that consistently stands out is the use of pumpkin spice fragrances. Whether it’s in luxury hotels, showrooms, or commercial spaces like airports and restrooms, the warm, inviting scent of pumpkin spice has become synonymous with fall. But why are pumpkin scents so popular, and what effect do they have on customers and their overall experience?
The appeal of pumpkin spice scents
The blend of spices typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger—all of which have distinct associations with warmth and comfort. This specific mix of spices triggers a response in the brain that goes beyond mere enjoyment. According to research (1), scents tied to positive memories—such as pumpkin spice for many people—can release dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone. The sensory experience of encountering familiar smells, especially those linked to enjoyable moments like holiday gatherings, can evoke feelings of happiness and relaxation.
Creating a memorable experience for your customers
Pumpkin spice is more than just a seasonal trend. It’s a powerful tool that brands can use to create a welcoming environment, evoke positive emotions, and leave a lasting impression on customers. Pumpkin spice, in particular, has an interesting seasonal appeal that businesses can harness. As soon as autumn arrives, consumers are conditioned to expect the rich, spicy aroma. By introducing these scents into spaces like luxury hotels, casinos, or even airport lounges, businesses can tap into the festive mood, reminding customers of cozy fall evenings and seasonal celebrations.
For businesses, leveraging the psychological power of scent can be a strategic advantage. The emotional comfort provided by pumpkin spices can translate into longer stays, increased customer satisfaction, and a greater likelihood of return visits.(2)
Moreover, research shows that olfactory branding—using scent as part of a company’s brand identity—can significantly improve brand recall. A study found that customers are 100 times more likely to remember a scent than any other sense after being exposed to it.(3)
Beyond Festivity: Practical Uses of Scent
While pumpkin spice evokes warmth and festivity, other autumn-inspired scents can also serve functional purposes in spaces like restrooms, airports, or any area where a welcoming atmosphere and odor control are key. Prolitec offers several fragrances perfect for creating this cozy seasonal ambiance.
MOONDANCE, designed by Sabine de Tscharner, combines velvety vanilla and enticing amber with exotic woods, evoking warmth and elegance. Its luxurious and mysterious notes, accented by hints of bergamot, iris, and honeysuckle, create an inviting and sophisticated experience ideal for retail, hospitality, and real estate settings.
Another delightful choice, VANILLA DELICIOUS by Christophe Laudamiel, delivers a casual and comforting aura with rich Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla, balancing sweetness with a creamy, buttery aroma—perfect for settings that aim to relax and comfort, like retail spaces or hotel lounges.
ENCHANTED APPLE invites you to take a stroll through an apple orchard in the heart of fall. This playful scent captures the crispness of granny smith apples, enriched with subtle hints of musk and white woods, evoking fond memories of apple-picking adventures. Perfect for creating a warm, uplifting and soothing atmosphere in commercial spaces.
These autumn scents, along with pumpkin spice, not only set the festive tone but also enhance customer satisfaction through a pleasing and memorable olfactory experience.
Pumpkin spice isn’t just a trendy fall scent—it’s a powerful tool that businesses can use to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, evoke positive emotions, and foster brand loyalty. The brain’s response to familiar, comforting scents helps create a memorable experience, ensuring that customers associate your business with feelings of warmth, comfort, and satisfaction.
Ready to give it a try? Contact your Prolitec representative today and see how fall spices can transform your space this season!
By : Lucie Goutagny, Executive Communication Writer for Prolitec
1 https://lions-talk-science.org/2014/10/08/smells-ring-bells-how-smells-can-trigger-emotions-and-memories/
2 https://profiletree.com/hidden-power-of-scent-marketing-with-statistics/
3 https://us.moodmedia.com/scent/scent-research/
