Many retail sectors that experienced low pandemic sales are picking back up as more people re-engage with the outside world. Chris Ventry, Vice President of Retail & Consumer Packaged Goods, spoke with Forbes about the future of the fragrance industry and how brands can attract customers who may not be able to test out a scent before they purchase.

He told Forbes that the purpose of personal fragrance is no longer just to smell nice for others explaining, “[It] might even be a way to feel more ‘dressed up’ and presentable on Zoom calls, going back to the scent-to-memory factor, maybe to remind them of a different time.”

Despite the increasing demand for fragrance, brands will still need to find new ways to attract customers who are unable to test scents in-store. Chris shared that, “Brands have to rely more on marketing pizzaz, social media influencers and brand recognition over the actual ability to drive testing of scent prior to purchase,” in order to secure customers during the coming months.

Read all of Chris’s insights and the full article here.

Chris Ventry serves as a Vice President in the Retail & Consumer Packaged Goods practice at SSA & Company