How does Ambient Temperature Impact Retail Sales?
Ambient temperature (ABM) refers to the temperature in a specific area. ABM can be the temperature in a specific outdoor area, the temperature around a piece of equipment, or the temperature in a room or building. It a retail store, the ABM will be impacted by the air conditioning equipment used to cool/heat the store, the number of people in the store at one time, the insulation in the store, and the equipment in the store that puts off heat such as overhead lighting, computers, and other equipment.
In a retail store, ambient temperature is a powerful thing. When used correctly, ABM can maintain and even increase sales, but when used incorrectly, ABM could potentially hurt sales and your store’s revenue. If the ABM in a store is too hot or too cold, customers likely won’t browse items for as long and will leave sooner than they had planned. Customer comfort is often key to sales and if the ABM isn’t at a comfortable level, you could potentially lose your customers and have a decrease in revenue.
If you are a retailer looking to maintain, or even increase sales by ensuring a comfortable environment in your store, here are a few ways to ensure that the ABM is ideal for customers.
Try to keep your building’s ABM around 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. This may vary slightly depending on the time of year. In the summer, when outdoor temperatures are higher and customers are wearing less clothing, you may want to keep the ABM in your store around 73 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter, when consumers are wearing heavier clothing, you may want to keep your building around 68 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ensure that your AC unit is working properly, that the air is circulating through the ducting and the store, and that you monitor the amount of people in your store at one time.
If your building’s air conditioner is ever down for repair, consider renting an HVAC system to maintain a comfortable ABM to ensure continued comfort for your customers and continued sales for your store.