Plants & Small Businesses: The Perfect Companion
I was recently sipping coffee at Lit in Southside Bethlehem and was excited to see a variety of beautiful indoor plants tucked into the corners and shelves of the cafe floor. Plants and coffee aren’t typically synonymous with one another, however, seeing that this is a coffee shop it would make sense that the environment should coax you to relax, sip, and enjoy and plants gracefully set the tone for this.
When plants are present in a retail environment, people perceive that the value of the merchandise being sold is greater compared to the same area without plants (Wolf 2002). In one study, consumers were willing to spend 12% more for products in an environment with plants (Wolf 2002)! People tend to want to stay longer in spaces with plants and psychologically feel more relaxed. Small boutiques, restaurants, and cafes take advantage of this effect to increase sales.
Plants don’t just belong in floor containers. Plants can cascade from shelves, peek up from wall sconces, and flow from the ceiling. Plants can visually lower ceilings through introducing a canopy of foliage to create a “false ceiling.” They create focal points of interest and hide unsightly features.
Additionally when patrons are visiting a small business they want the experience to feel special and customized. They are choosing your store over the competition. Plants are a token of hospitality just by being present. Living plants are a symbol of peace, universality, and life AND we get to share their presence with one another. How beautiful is that?
-Sabrina Keim, Interior Plantscaper/Owner at Mission Plant Company, Lehigh Valley Indoor Plant Services
www.missionplantcompany.com
