The Promotional Idea Showcase - Summer 2001 - Updated Quarterly

Aromatic Promos
By Cynthia L. Ironson

All kinds of companies – with the help of specialized professionals called “sensory marketers” – are discovering how appealing to peoples’ sense of smell can frequently get them to open their wallets. Note the testing and development of scent-emitting ads for supermarkets and even “aroma printers” – devices linked to computers and Web sites that release fragrances. But there’s no need to go that hi-tech to get the nose involved in a promotion. There’s a huge selection of scented promotional products out there, ready to become part of a campaign right now. Here are a few to consider – we only wish you could actually smell them!
Squashable Scents. Stress squeezers in all sorts of shapes, sizes and materials are quickly becoming promotional staples. These stress balls, made from heavy-duty latex balloons, are infused with aromas to help give them new life and enhance their impact. Stock scents include banana, bubble gum, cherry, potpourri, strawberry and vanilla. Retailers, financial institutions, communications firms, manufacturers and many others can use them to enhance their ad message. From asi/55675.
Made To Order. These scented ink pens are examples of custom work from asi/62820. The orange pen writes with (what else?) orange-scented ink and is only one of many possible fruit themes. The pen saluting Warner Bros.’ Pepe Le Pew character (he’s hugging girlfriend Penelope) features hearts wrapping round the top and
bottom and writes with strawberry ink. (You didn’t think it would be skunk, did you?) Warner Bros. Studio Stores offered the pens for Valentines Day. 
Meeting Pick ME Up. Aromatherapy is becoming a more widely used form of alternative and natural healing. From asi/50840, which also produces scented markers, come aromatherapy pens to help users reduce stress, promote relaxation or quickly rejuvenate the body and mind by uncapping and inhaling. This item, the “Meeting Pen,” is a ballpoint on one end with a choice of either “Clear Mind” or “Awake” scents on the other. Could come in handy next time you get drowsy while the boss rambles ...
That Extra Touch. Aromatherapy strikes again, this time in the form of a calming pillow and room spray, from asi/84495. For a more upscale promotion, this may be just the right luxury that recipients won’t forget and will take home with them. Excellent for in-room gifts at hotels, resorts and spas, not to mention for promoting a range of other products and services designed to help people unwind in our stressed-out world.
Peel & Place. There’s something about scratch-and-sniff things that bring out the kid in most of us, which makes them great for children, as well as adult-oriented promotions. Like these stickers, for instance. Strawberry, banana and other food smells can be used to adorn packages, envelopes, notebooks and more. Scented stickers with logos/ad messages can provide powerful association with a type of product or service (e.g., apple scents for produce growers or supermarkets; orange for vitamin/health food stores, etc.). Numerous possibilities are available from asi/43003.
Top It Off. Scented fruit ballpoint pens can be used by hotels, bars and restaurants, not to mention liquor and food promotions, travel gifts and trade show giveaways. The barrel can be imprinted with logos and/or slogans. From asi/34415.
Hang, Then Breathe. There are many kinds of promotional air fresheners available in all shapes and sizes, but the decoration, of course, is key. These “airomatic” numbers feature a fourcolor imprint, making it cost-effective to embellish with fullcolor logos or even photo-quality images. From asi/66846.
Three For One. This product actually does a lot of work for something relatively small: 1. It’s a mousepad. 2. It’s a notepad. 3. It freshens up a home or office with lemon, orange or apple aromas! Scented “mouse paper,” available from asi/48545, can be used by the technology sector or any firm that wants to market its Web presence in a new or different way. 
Only The Marks Fade. Even if these babies are literally out of sight, you can still smell their grape and strawberry scents from a reasonable distance. Wineries, growers and supermarkets often use them because they can tie directly into their business. But any company can use a scented eraser with related copy – the sweet smell of success, your firm’s ability to come up with fresh ideas, etc. Available from asi/66390.

 

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