Professional air freshening in gas stations

Gas stations have long since become more than just fuel dispensing points. Modern locations are increasingly evolving into service centers with shops, bistro areas, and coffee-to-go options. Coffee, in particular, is now one of the most important revenue drivers in the gas station business – often with significantly higher margins than the fuel itself.

This is where professional room scenting comes in: The scent of freshly brewed coffee or a subtle "coffee & cake" composition can activate emotions, increase dwell time and boost impulse purchases.

Why the scent of coffee is particularly effective at gas stations

1. Coffee is emotion – not just a drink.

The scent of coffee is among the most emotionally powerful everyday smells. It represents:

• warmth

• enjoyment

• pause

• energy

• coziness

Especially when traveling or during a long car ride, the smell of coffee acts like a promise: "Here you can switch off for a bit."

Studies in scent marketing show that the scent of coffee not only stimulates the appetite but also increases the willingness to buy complementary products – especially baked goods, snacks and sweets.

2. Activating impulse purchases

Many petrol station customers initially enter the shop only to pay. A noticeable, pleasant aroma of coffee changes this situation.

The thought arises unconsciously: "A coffee would actually be good right now."

If this stimulus is further enhanced by visible baked goods or pieces of cake, the likelihood of a spontaneous purchase increases significantly.

The combination of coffee aroma and warm, slightly sweet notes (e.g. vanilla, pastry accords) can specifically increase sales in the bistro sector.

3. Extension of the length of stay

A pleasant fragrance invites customers to linger. They stay longer in the shop, browse around, and take a more intensive look at what's on offer.

This is particularly effective in the following cases:

• Coffee-to-go stations

• Bakery counters

• Seating areas

• Motorway service areas with bistro

The longer the stay, the higher the probability of additional purchases.

Strategic implementation: Targeted use of coffee & cake

Zoned scenting instead of blanket application

The targeted placement of the scent is important. The coffee scent should be used in the shop and bistro area – not throughout the entire building.

A fresh, clean feel can dominate the entrance area. In the bistro area, on the other hand, a warm coffee aroma creates a pleasant atmosphere.

This creates a natural transition in the space.

Authenticity is crucial.

The fragrance must appear realistic and high-quality. An artificial-smelling, overly sweet fragrance can have the opposite effect.

Professional cold fogging systems ensure an even, fine distribution – without residue or visible fog. The dosage is adjusted so that the fragrance is subtly perceived, not overpowering.

The customer should think:

"It smells like fresh coffee in here."

Not:

"Here, artificial fragrances are used."

Synergy with the actual offer

The aroma is particularly effective when combined with actual coffee offerings. Even when the coffee machine is not actively in use, the scent remains constant and enhances the sales area.

During peak times – for example, in the morning between 6 and 9 am – the intensity can be slightly increased to make optimal use of the high customer traffic.

Economic benefits for petrol station operators

Coffee is among the highest-margin products at gas stations. While fuel prices fluctuate significantly and margins are low, coffee, snacks, and baked goods achieve considerably higher contribution margins.

A targeted fragrance strategy can therefore:

• increase coffee sales

• Promote combination purchases (coffee + cake / snack)

• increase the average receipt amount

• improve brand perception

Even a small increase in sales in the coffee-to-go sector can quickly pay for the investment in professional room scenting.

Conclusion: Scent as a sales driver in the bistro sector

Professional air freshening at gas stations is far more than just a means of odor neutralization. When used correctly, it becomes an active sales tool.

The targeted use of coffee or "coffee & cake" scents creates atmosphere, activates emotions and increases the impulse purchase rate – especially in the high-margin bistro sector.

In a market environment where petrol stations increasingly differentiate themselves through service and shopping experience, fragrance becomes a crucial success factor.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee can be the moment when a simple fuel stop turns into an additional purchase.