How Landscaping Influences Customer Behavior: Insights for Retail & Hospitality Spaces
Any business knows that first impressions matter, especially in retail and hospitality. Exteriors draw people and potential customers in (or, can drive them away), making them a powerful aspect of a business’ appeal. Strategic landscaping does more than make a property beautiful–it influences how customers feel about the business, how long they stay, and whether or not they return.
Curb Appeal Sets Expectations
Landscaping and business exterior is the first and last thing customers see when experiencing a space. That’s why a well maintained and attractive space is essential for customer retention and satisfaction. An immaculate landscape showcases professionalism and care for the business, communicating certain qualities to your guests through the space. It’s even the same for homes–curb appeal sets high expectations for both homes and commercial spaces.
Landscaping Increases Dwell Time
In hospitality and shopping centers, strategically placed trees, benches, and lush green spaces encourage people to stay longer and linger in the area, often leading to more spending. Walkable and flourishing landscapes encourage guests to take their time, making them feel relaxed and much less rushed. Pleasant outdoor spaces are an essential investment into your business.
Impacts Mood and Perception
Landscaping can directly impact a person’s mood. Clean walkways, colorful plantings, and soothing water features promote calm, reduce stress, and create a more enjoyable overall experience–especially in hospitality spaces.
Customer experience is everything. Immerse your guests in an oasis the moment they step foot on the property, creating a sense of tranquility and escape. These emotions and senses are hard to forget, making your business hard to forget.
Functional Designs Support Flow
While landscaping is very important, strategic landscaping is even more important, as it can enhance the functionality of your space. Clean and clear walkways, lighting, entry points, and signage all ensure customers move through your property with ease and comfort.
Poor lighting or overgrown greenery can not only be a safety hazard but can also be a deterrent to guests. Functional landscaping and intentional upkeep ensures guests and customers are both satisfied and excited to visit your space.
Consider using
Clear, lined pathways with ambient lighting or shrubbery
Maintained shrubbery to create clear land boundaries
Clear signs uplit with soft lighting
Greenery Drives Social Sharing
A visually appealing outdoor area is social media content gold. With the rise of social media, customers love snapping photos of lush greenery or modern hardscapes. Incorporating intentional and unique landscaping can create your business as a destination, but also the landscaping itself as a visual destination for social media-worthy pictures.
Instagram-worthy plant walls, floral displays, or a unique seating area can organically spread awareness of your business through socials. In some ways, customers’ pictures of the landscape do the marketing for you.
Eco-Friendly Landscaping Wins Customer Loyalty
Today’s consumers are more eco-conscious than ever. Landscaping that incorporates sustainable practices, such as native plants, smart irrigation, and reduced chemical use, resonates with guests who value environmental responsibility.
Customers are more likely to support businesses that align with their values. Sustainable landscaping is a subtle, effective way to show that you care–about the environment and your customers.
Consider using:
Smart irrigation systems that use sensors to avoid overwatering
Organic mulch with natural materials
Native plants with little need for extra water and fertilizer
Drought-tolerant landscaping
Conclusion
Landscaping isn’t all about aesthetics–it can be a strategic business tool. Whether you’re managing a retail plaza, hotel, restaurant, or dealership, investing in your outdoor space can make a direct impact on your customers. From their first glance to their last look, strategic and lush landscaping can shape customers’ experience for the better.