Incorporating living walls into restaurant design transcends mere aesthetics; it’s a strategic investment with the potential to boost foot traffic and enhance revenue. Studies have shown that integrating natural elements, such as indoor plants, positively influences customer behavior and satisfaction, leading to increased patronage and profitability. In this blog post, we shall break down the benefits of living walls for restaurants in NYC in terms of sales and branding.
Benefits of Living Walls for Restaurants in NYC
1. Enhancing Customer Attraction and Retention
Research published in the International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management indicates that the presence of indoor plants in restaurant environments positively affects customers’ perceptual evaluations and first impressions [1]. This enhancement in ambiance can make establishments more appealing, potentially increasing customer visits.
2. Improving Customer Dwell Time
Extended time spent in a restaurant often correlates with higher spending. Understanding and managing dwell time is crucial for restaurant profitability. Studies indicate that increasing customer dwell time by just 1% can lead to an average sales increase of 1.3% [2]. For instance, if the average customer spends 60 minutes and spends $30, encouraging them to stay an additional 6 minutes could result in an extra $3.90 per visit. This can add up to substantial revenue for your restaurant over a year.
3. Boosting Social Media Engagement
Visually striking interiors serve as free marketing in the age of social media. Restaurants featuring unique design elements, like living walls, are more likely to be shared on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. This organic promotion increases brand awareness and attracts new patrons, indirectly boosting revenue.
4. Potential Revenue Increase
While exact figures can vary, the combined effect of increased footfall, longer customer dwell time, and enhanced social media presence can lead to a substantial uptick in revenue. Many industry experts believe that such design enhancements can contribute to a sizeable revenue increase, depending on the establishment’s location and target demographic. [3] [4]
Conclusion
Integrating living walls into your restaurant’s design is a multifaceted strategy that not only elevates the dining experience but also offers tangible financial benefits. By attracting more customers, encouraging them to stay longer, and leveraging social media exposure, living walls can be a catalyst for increased footfall and revenue growth.
At Eco Brooklyn, we specialize in creating custom living walls for restaurants and retail spaces to elevate their brand image and boost revenue. Contact us to get started!
References
[1] Emerald. (2020). The impact of indoor plants on customer evaluations in retail environments. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management. Retrieved from https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/ijrdm-02-2020-0053/full/html
[2] Bloom Intelligence. (n.d.). What is dwell time? A guide for restaurant owners. Retrieved from https://bloomintelligence.com/blog/what-is-dwell-time-restaurant-owners/
[3] Food and Wine Gazette. (2018). The importance of restaurant ambiance and design. Retrieved from https://www.foodandwinegazette.com/8274
[4] Sprak Design. (n.d.). Impact of interior design in a restaurant. Retrieved from https://www.sprakdesign.com/impact-of-interior-design-in-a-restaurant/