Sensory Marketing: How to Make Your Brand Unforgettable in 2025

The Science Behind Sensory Marketing

Let’s start with a simple question: Why do some brands stick in your memory while others fade into the background? The answer lies in how they make you feel.

Sensory marketing taps into this powerful idea—it engages your senses to create an emotional connection that goes far beyond the product itself.

Think about it. When you hear the jingle of your favorite brand or see their signature colors, you instantly recognize them, right? That’s sensory marketing in action.

It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about creating an experience so unforgettable that your customers think of your brand first, even when they aren’t actively shopping.

For e-commerce brands, especially Shopify Plus stores, this approach is more critical than ever. Online shopping lacks the physical interaction of in-store experiences, which means it’s harder to connect emotionally with your customers.

But here’s the good news—sensory marketing bridges that gap. By strategically engaging sight, sound, touch, and even smell, you can build a memorable brand that stands out in a crowded market.

Sensory Marketing 101: What It Is and Why It Matters

Sensory marketing is exactly what it sounds like: using the five senses—sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste—to create memorable and emotionally impactful customer experiences.

It’s about going beyond what your customers see on a screen or read in an ad. It’s about giving them something they can feel, even in a virtual shopping environment.

Breaking It Down: The Core of Sensory Marketing

At its heart, sensory marketing isn’t a gimmick. It’s science. Studies show that when brands engage multiple senses, they activate more parts of the brain, which strengthens memory and emotional connections. Think of it as planting a seed that grows into brand loyalty over time.

• Sight: The most dominant sense in e-commerce. A brand’s colors, typography, and imagery all work together to create a visual identity that sticks.
• Sound: Whether it’s the jingle in an ad or the sound of unwrapping your product, auditory cues are tied closely to emotions.
• Touch: Texture is a powerful tool. In e-commerce, this can be replicated through detailed descriptions, product videos, or creative packaging.
• Smell: Ever opened a box and been hit with a subtle, pleasant scent? That’s sensory marketing at its best—it immediately builds a connection.
• Taste: While this applies mostly to food and beverage brands, it’s all about crafting an experience customers crave.

Why It Matters for E-Commerce Brands

For Shopify stores, where physical interaction isn’t possible, sensory marketing creates a virtual bridge to your customers. It helps them connect emotionally with your brand, leading to:

• Stronger Brand Recall: The more senses you engage, the easier it is for customers to remember your brand.
• Higher Engagement: Sensory-driven campaigns capture attention and hold it longer.
• Deeper Loyalty: Customers are more likely to stick with brands that make them feel something.

A Real-World Example

Take Allbirds, a Shopify Plus brand. Their marketing focuses on storytelling through visuals and textures, from the earthy tones of their website to the premium feel of their packaging.

Even though their customers can’t feel the product online, Allbirds uses detailed descriptions and close-up visuals to highlight the softness and sustainability of their materials. The result? A sensory experience that builds trust and desire.

Sensory marketing isn’t just for big brands—it’s a tool every Shopify Plus store can use to stand out.

Why Sensory Marketing Resonates with Online Shoppers

Let’s face it: online shopping isn’t always exciting. There’s no store music, no chance to touch the product, and no immersive environment to draw you in. It’s just you, a screen, and a checkout button.

That’s why sensory marketing is such a game-changer for e-commerce—it turns an otherwise transactional process into an engaging, emotional experience.

1. Emotional Engagement: Turning Products Into Stories

People don’t just buy products; they buy the feeling those products give them. Sensory marketing taps directly into emotions, making every interaction with your brand more meaningful.

• Example: A Shopify Plus skincare brand could pair soothing visuals and soft soundscapes on their website with aromatherapy-inspired packaging to evoke relaxation before customers even use the product.
• Why It Works: Emotional engagement creates trust and keeps customers coming back. When a brand makes people feel good, they associate that positivity with the purchase.

2. Memorable Impressions: Staying Top-of-Mind

E-commerce is crowded. Customers are scrolling through endless product pages, and if your brand doesn’t stand out, it’s quickly forgotten. Sensory marketing helps you break through the noise.

• The Science: The more senses you activate, the stronger the memory. Brands that engage multiple senses are remembered 30% more often than those that don’t.
• Practical Application: Create an unforgettable unboxing experience. Use premium packaging materials, subtle scents, and branded visuals to ensure your product sticks in the customer’s mind.

3. Filling the Physical Gap in Online Shopping

One of the biggest challenges for e-commerce brands is the lack of physical interaction with the product. Customers can’t touch, smell, or see the item up close, which often leads to hesitation or abandoned carts. Sensory marketing bridges that gap.

• How to Apply It:

  • Use product videos or interactive 3D models to simulate touch.
  • Highlight texture and quality through detailed descriptions. For example, instead of saying “soft fabric,” describe it as “cashmere-like with a velvety touch.”
  • Leverage AR tools to let customers virtually try products like furniture in their home or accessories on their outfits.

• Example: Warby Parker’s virtual try-on tool lets customers see how glasses look on their face before purchasing—bridging the online-offline divide seamlessly.

Sensory marketing gives e-commerce brands a competitive edge. It humanizes the online shopping experience, making it less about a product and more about how that product fits into a customer’s life. 

Designing Multi-Sensory Experiences That Stick

When done right, sensory marketing transforms an ordinary shopping experience into something memorable—something that feels unique to your brand.

Whether it’s the color scheme of your website, the texture of your product packaging, or the subtle sounds on your social media ads, every sensory detail matters. Here’s how to design multi-sensory experiences that leave a lasting impression.

1. Sight: Crafting Visual Stories That Speak Volumes

The easiest sense to engage in e-commerce is sight, and it’s the first thing your customers notice about your brand.

• Brand Identity: Your color palette, typography, and imagery should work together to tell your story. Think of brands like Glossier, whose soft pink tones and minimalist design scream “modern beauty.”
• Use Visual Hierarchy: Place your most important elements—like CTA buttons or hero product images—where they naturally draw the eye.
• Dynamic Content: Invest in high-quality visuals, including videos, product photography, and even GIFs, to keep customers engaged.

Example: A Shopify Plus brand selling luxury candles could showcase close-up shots of flickering flames or the texture of wax on their website, highlighting the premium nature of their product.

2. Sound: Making Noise in All the Right Ways

Sound is often overlooked in e-commerce, but it can create powerful emotional connections when used strategically.

• Website Background Soundscapes: Add subtle, calming music or nature sounds to your site for a soothing shopping experience.
• Social Media Ads: Use catchy, memorable soundtracks in your videos to draw attention.
• Product Sounds: Highlight sound-related features, such as the crisp pop of a wine bottle opening or the soft hum of a gadget in action.

Example: Spotify uses sound as part of its core experience, but e-commerce brands like Bose amplify their product’s value by demonstrating sound quality directly in ads.

3. Smell: The Subtle Power of Scent Branding

Smell triggers memories faster than any other sense, making it a powerful tool for brands with physical products.

• Unboxing Experiences: Incorporate subtle, pleasant scents into your packaging—like lavender for relaxation or citrus for energy.
• Scent-Infused Products: If your product involves fragrances, highlight them in your marketing. Describe the scents vividly to help customers imagine the experience.

Example: Abercrombie & Fitch is known for using a signature scent in their stores, but e-commerce brands like Diptyque create similar magic by emphasizing fragrance storytelling in their packaging and product descriptions.

4. Touch: Creating Tactile Connections Virtually

While customers can’t physically touch products when shopping online, you can replicate the tactile experience through thoughtful design.

• Detailed Descriptions: Use descriptive language to highlight the texture and feel of your product. “Soft and buttery leather” says more than “good quality.”
• Videos and Close-Ups: Show texture in detail through close-up videos or 360-degree product views.
• Premium Packaging: Use high-quality materials for your packaging to create a tangible sense of luxury.

Example: A Shopify Plus fashion brand might use video to show the way their dresses move and feel, emphasizing comfort and elegance.

5. Taste: The Ultimate Sense for Food and Beverage Brands

For food and beverage brands, taste is the ultimate selling point—and sensory marketing is the way to emphasize it.

• Evocative Language: Describe flavors vividly, painting a picture that makes customers crave your product.
• Content That Shows Taste: Use video and photography to highlight the richness, texture, and indulgence of your product.
• Sample Programs: Offer sample packs or tastings as part of promotions.

Example: A Shopify Plus coffee brand could describe its product as “a rich, velvety espresso with hints of dark chocolate and a smooth finish,” paired with a video showing a perfect crema on top of a freshly brewed shot.

Creating multi-sensory experiences isn’t just about engaging one or two senses—it’s about blending them to create something cohesive and unforgettable.

Bringing Sensory Marketing to Shopify Brands: A Step-by-Step Playbook

Creating a sensory marketing strategy might sound overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right steps and tools, you can integrate sensory elements into your Shopify Plus store to create memorable, engaging customer experiences. Here’s your step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Map Out Your Customer Journey

Before jumping into sensory elements, understand where your customers interact with your brand. Each touchpoint is an opportunity to make an impression.

• Identify Key Touchpoints: From landing pages and checkout flows to unboxing experiences, map where sensory engagement could add value.
• Ask the Right Questions:
  • What do customers see, hear, or feel when they visit your website?
  • How can packaging create a tactile or aromatic experience?
  • Can sound or visuals enhance your brand’s personality?

Example: If you’re selling premium teas, think about touchpoints like a visually serene homepage, calming music in product videos, and aromatic packaging for unboxing.

Step 2: Start Small and Scale

You don’t need to implement everything at once. Focus on one or two sensory elements that align with your brand and expand from there.

• Choose Your Focus: Start with the sense that’s most relevant to your product. For example:
  • Sight for bold visuals.
  • Smell for fragranced goods.
  • Touch for textured products or premium packaging.
• Optimize as You Go: Test what works and scale gradually. For example, if customers love your scented packaging, consider expanding that idea to loyalty rewards or personalized thank-you notes.

Step 3: Leverage Shopify Plus Tools and Integrations

Shopify Plus is built for brands looking to deliver exceptional experiences. Use its tools to add sensory elements seamlessly.

• Augmented Reality (AR) and 3D Models: Use AR tools to let customers “touch” or “see” products virtually.
• Dynamic Product Pages: Customize product pages with videos, GIFs, or sound effects to make them more engaging.
• Interactive Apps: Use Shopify apps to integrate unique features like 360-degree product views, virtual try-ons, or audio-enabled pages.

Example: A Shopify Plus furniture brand could use AR to let customers visualize how a sofa would look in their living room, complete with texture and color options.

Step 4: Personalize the Experience

One-size-fits-all doesn’t work anymore. Use customer data to make sensory interactions feel tailored and meaningful.

• Use AI for Personalization: Leverage tools like Shopify’s built-in analytics to recommend products, tailor email campaigns, and create personalized product pages.
• Localized Experiences: Adapt sensory elements based on regional preferences. For instance, use culturally relevant visuals or scents for specific demographics.
• Example: A Shopify beauty brand could send personalized scent samples with orders based on the customer’s purchase history.

Step 5: Create Shareable Moments

Sensory marketing isn’t just about engagement—it’s about giving customers something to talk about. Make your sensory elements so unique that customers want to share them.

• Unboxing That Wows: Design packaging that’s not just functional but Instagram-worthy.
• Interactive Experiences: Incorporate features like QR codes on packaging that lead to sensory-rich AR experiences.
• Loyalty Through the Senses: Add sensory-driven rewards like limited-edition packaging, scented loyalty cards, or exclusive experiences.

Example: A Shopify jewelry brand could include a velvet-textured pouch with each purchase, paired with a QR code linking to a short video showing the craftsmanship behind the piece.

Step 6: Measure the Impact and Iterate

Sensory marketing isn’t a one-time effort—it’s an evolving strategy. Track what’s working and refine it over time.

• Key Metrics to Monitor:
  • Customer Retention: Are customers returning for more?
  • Engagement Rates: Are customers spending more time on sensory-enhanced pages?
  • Sales Data: Are sensory-driven touchpoints boosting conversions?
• Refine Based on Feedback: Use customer reviews and surveys to understand what resonated and what didn’t.

By following this playbook, Shopify brands can take sensory marketing from concept to execution in a way that’s both practical and impactful.

Sensory Marketing in Action: Brands You Can Learn From

When it comes to sensory marketing, theory is great—but nothing beats real-world examples.

Let’s look at how some standout brands (including Shopify brands) are using sensory elements to create unforgettable experiences. These examples aren’t just inspiration—they’re playbooks you can adapt for your Shopify store.

1. Lush: The Pioneer of Sensory Shopping

Lush is famous for turning shopping into an immersive, multi-sensory experience. Even if you’re shopping online, the brand has found clever ways to engage your senses.

• What They’re Doing:
  • Sight: Bold, colorful visuals on their website mirror the vibrant appearance of their products.
  • Smell: While scents are a natural part of their products, Lush emphasizes fragrances in their descriptions and storytelling.
  • Touch: Close-up videos showcase the texture and softness of products like bath bombs and scrubs.

Takeaway: Even if you can’t physically bring the senses to customers, detailed descriptions and engaging visuals can simulate the sensory experience online.

2. Allbirds: Sustainable Comfort You Can See and Feel

Allbirds, a Shopify Plus brand, focuses on creating a sensory connection through sustainability and comfort.

• What They’re Doing:
  • Touch: They highlight the softness and texture of their wool shoes through product descriptions and detailed close-ups.
  • Sight: Their website’s minimalistic design reflects the simplicity and eco-consciousness of their brand.
  • Unboxing Experience: Premium packaging enhances the tactile experience, reinforcing the quality of their product.

Takeaway: Highlighting texture and material quality can help bridge the gap between online and physical shopping.

3. Diptyque: Elevating Scent Marketing Online

Diptyque, a luxury fragrance brand, has mastered the art of making their scents come to life—even online.

• What They’re Doing:
  • Smell: Their website uses evocative language to describe fragrances, helping customers imagine the scent before purchase.
  • Sight: Clean, elegant visuals and close-ups of their iconic candles reinforce the brand’s luxury positioning.
  • Touch: Their unboxing experience includes textured packaging that feels as premium as the product.

Takeaway: For scent-based products, storytelling is key. Use vivid descriptions to transport customers into the experience.

4. Warby Parker: Virtual Try-Ons for Visual and Tactile Appeal

Warby Parker uses technology to bring sensory marketing to life, blending online convenience with an in-store feel.

• What They’re Doing:
  • Sight: Their virtual try-on feature lets customers see how glasses will look before they buy.
  • Touch: They emphasize materials and craftsmanship through videos and descriptions, making the product feel tangible.
  • Customer Journey: They combine online convenience with in-store experiences for seamless omnichannel engagement.

Takeaway: Integrating AR tools is a powerful way to simulate sensory interactions for online shoppers.

5. Nespresso: Taste Meets Technology

Nespresso combines taste, touch, and sight to create a sensory-rich experience that drives customer loyalty.

• What They’re Doing:
  • Taste: Their website describes flavors in vivid detail, from “nutty caramel undertones” to “rich, velvety crema.”
  • Touch: Their packaging is designed to feel as luxurious as their coffee tastes.
  • Sight: High-quality imagery and videos showcase the brewing process, making the experience feel aspirational.

Takeaway: For food and beverage brands, storytelling through taste and touch descriptions creates crave-worthy appeal.

What Shopify Brands Can Learn

The common thread in all these examples? Consistency and creativity. These brands don’t just use sensory elements randomly—they align them with their brand story and customer expectations.

Whether it’s through vibrant visuals, evocative scents, or immersive technology, sensory marketing builds emotional connections that keep customers coming back.

Sensory Marketing in 2025: Key Trends Shopify Brands Need to Know

Sensory marketing isn’t just evolving—it’s adapting to meet the demands of tech-savvy, values-driven customers. As we step into 2025, Shopify brands that embrace emerging trends will stand out in a crowded e-commerce landscape. Here’s what to watch and how to leverage these trends for your store.

1. AI-Driven Personalization: Making Sensory Marketing Smarter

Personalization has been a buzzword for years, but 2025 will see sensory marketing tailored to individual preferences like never before.

• What’s Changing:

  • AI can analyze customer behavior and recommend sensory experiences based on past interactions.
  • Example: A Shopify Plus skincare brand could use AI to suggest fragrances or packaging based on a customer’s purchase history.

• How to Use It:

  • Implement Shopify’s AI-powered tools to personalize product recommendations, email campaigns, and sensory-driven content.
  • Use dynamic landing pages that adapt visuals, sounds, or messaging based on user profiles.

2. AR and VR: Bridging the Sensory Gap

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) will continue to revolutionize e-commerce by making sensory experiences interactive and immersive.

• The Future of AR and VR:

  • Customers will use AR to visualize how furniture fits in their living room or try on clothes virtually.
  • VR will create fully immersive shopping environments where customers can “feel” like they’re in a physical store.

• Example: Shopify brands like Warby Parker are already leading with virtual try-ons. Expect this trend to expand to other categories like home goods, beauty, and apparel.

• How Shopify Brands Can Adapt:

  • Leverage Shopify apps offering AR/VR integrations to create interactive product displays.
  • Use these tools to make complex purchases, like home decor or electronics, easier and more engaging.

3. Sustainability Meets Sensory: The Eco-Conscious Advantage

In 2025, customers will expect brands to align their sensory strategies with sustainability. It’s no longer enough to create a “wow” moment—your brand also needs to reflect their values.

• What This Means:

  • Eco-friendly packaging that looks, feels, and smells luxurious without harming the planet.
  • Scent marketing using natural, non-toxic materials.

• How Shopify Brands Can Respond:

  • Highlight your sustainable sensory elements on your product pages.
  • Partner with eco-conscious suppliers to create sensory experiences that don’t compromise on quality or values.

Example: A Shopify Plus brand selling luxury candles could emphasize their use of soy wax, organic scents, and biodegradable packaging.

4. Emotional Wellness Through Sensory Marketing

After years of global uncertainty, customers are prioritizing emotional well-being. Sensory marketing in 2025 will lean heavily into experiences that promote calm, comfort, and joy.

• How It’s Evolving:

  • Brands will use sensory cues to create emotionally positive environments, both online and offline.
  • Example: A Shopify brand could design its website with soothing colors, soft music, and reassuring language to evoke relaxation.

• Practical Application:

  • Integrate calming visuals and soundscapes into your website or product pages.
  • Offer products designed to boost well-being, such as aromatherapy kits or weighted blankets, and emphasize their sensory benefits.

5. Multi-Sensory Integration: Creating Seamless Experiences

The future of sensory marketing lies in blending multiple senses to create cohesive, impactful experiences.

• Emerging Trends:

  • Cross-sensory branding, where sight, sound, and touch work together to tell a unified story.
  • Example: A Shopify Plus fashion brand could combine high-quality imagery, soft music, and premium-feeling packaging to create a luxurious experience.

• How to Start:

  • Audit your brand touchpoints to ensure consistency in sensory elements across channels.
  • Use Shopify’s analytics to track customer responses to sensory-driven campaigns.

Final Thought on 2025 Trends

The future of sensory marketing isn’t just about innovation—it’s about creating meaningful connections. Shopify brands that embrace these trends will not only meet customer expectations but exceed them, turning every sensory interaction into an opportunity to build loyalty and drive growth.

From Sensory Marketing to Brand Loyalty: Take the Next Step

Sensory marketing isn’t just another tactic—it’s a game-changer for brands that want to create meaningful connections with their customers.

By engaging the senses, you’re not just selling products; you’re building emotional ties that turn first-time buyers into lifelong advocates.

Think about it: when a customer interacts with your brand and feels something—whether it’s the calming colors of your website, the premium feel of your packaging, or the subtle scent in your unboxing experience—they’re not just shopping.

They’re building a memory. And in a world where customers are bombarded with choices, memories are what set you apart.

Key Takeaways: Make Sensory Marketing Work for You

• Start Small, Think Big: You don’t need to overhaul your entire strategy overnight. Focus on one sensory touchpoint—sight or touch—and refine it as you scale.
• Leverage Shopify Tools: Shopify Plus gives you the technology to integrate sensory elements seamlessly, from AR tools to dynamic product pages.
• Track and Iterate: Use data and customer feedback to fine-tune your sensory experiences. The best strategies evolve with your audience.
• Make it Personal: Tailor sensory experiences to align with your brand’s story and customer preferences. Personalization is the key to making every interaction memorable.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

In 2025, customers don’t just expect good products—they expect exceptional experiences. Sensory marketing gives you the tools to create those experiences, bridging the gap between emotion and action. It’s not just about standing out; it’s about creating a brand people want to come back to.

If you’re ready to make your brand unforgettable, sensory marketing is the way forward. Start small, experiment with what works, and use tools like Shopify Plus to scale your efforts. Every touchpoint—every sensory detail—matters when it comes to building loyalty.

Remember, it’s not just about what your customers see—it’s about what they feel. And if you can make them feel something, they’ll remember you long after the sale.