Can Plants Make Your Customers Buy More?

If you are in charge of a retail establishment – whether a shopping mall or a car dealership – your quest for new sales is never-ending. We have discussed the benefits of plants in any public place in the past, but can plants influence consumer behavior? The possibility that plants can impact purchasing patterns is intriguing – and may be supported by some research. While there is no definitive answer, several factors point to the potential of plants to inspire your customers to buy.

Psychological and Emotional Appeal to Customers

A welcoming environment can encourage leisurely browsing and enhance the overall shopping experience.

Plants have a unique ability to create a positive emotional atmosphere. This is rooted in biophilia, which suggests that humans have an inherent affinity for nature. When people encounter plants, they often experience a sense of calm and well-being. This positive emotional response can make consumers more receptive to making purchases.

The presence of plants in retail environments can contribute to a more pleasant shopping experience. Studies have shown that people are likely to spend more time in stores that incorporate greenery, which can increase the likelihood of making a purchase.

Influence on Store Environment

Plants can also significantly shape the overall store environment. They can make spaces feel more inviting and less sterile, which is particularly important in retail settings. A well-designed store with greenery often appears more aesthetically pleasing and can create a sense of harmony and relaxation.

The presence of plants can also impact the perceived quality of the store. In high-end retail environments, the strategic use of plants can signal sophistication and care in in-store design, which can, in turn, influence consumer perceptions of the products being sold. Consumers might associate a well-maintained, plant-filled store with higher-quality products and better customer service.

Impact on the Behavior of Customers

Research has indicated that environments enriched with plants can increase customers’ time in a store. Longer dwell time often correlates with higher sales, as customers have more opportunities to explore products and make purchase decisions. Plants make people feel more comfortable and less rushed, leading to more thoughtful purchases.

In addition, the presence of plants can reduce stress and create a more relaxed shopping experience. Stressful environments can lead to hasty decisions and lower satisfaction with purchases. Consumers may make more deliberate and positive purchasing decisions by mitigating stress through greenery.

Marketing and Brand Image

The incorporation of plants in retail spaces is also a strategic marketing move. For businesses, using plants can align with brand values such as sustainability and environmental commitment. This can appeal to eco-conscious consumers who are more likely to support brands that reflect their values.

For example, a store emphasizing sustainable practices and natural elements might attract customers who prioritize these values in their purchasing decisions. Plants can reinforce a brand’s identity and create a distinctive store atmosphere that resonates with customers on a deeper level.

Employee Well-Being and Customer Service

Plants benefit customers and can also enhance the working environment for employees. A pleasant work environment can increase employee satisfaction and result in better customer service. Employees who feel happy and relaxed are likely to provide better service, which can improve the overall shopping experience and influence customer purchasing behavior.

Plants, Customers and Tropex

While plants alone may not directly increase the likelihood of making a purchase, they can significantly enhance the shopping environment in ways that indirectly boost sales. By creating a more appealing, relaxing, and emotionally positive space, plants can encourage longer visits, enhance the overall shopping experience, and align with brand values that attract customers.

Tropex is a professional plant leasing service that designs, installs and maintains beautiful plant displays at retail establishments across Florida.