Whether it's over finances, gift-giving or family squabbles, as the holiday season ramps up, so do customers' stress levels.
In the past, 38% of people have reported that their stress increases during the season of giving and there's no reason to believe this year will be any different. As bars and restaurants prepare to entertain customers this holiday season, they should be mindful of creating stress-free environments that put their customers at ease.
The content playing on your TVs should elevate the mood in the room, not detract from it
Forecasts predict that this holiday season will see increased spending on dining services as, more than ever, customers are looking at dining as an escape and way to relax. The ambiance of your restaurant should enhance the customer experience by delivering that escape diners are looking for. Most businesses think about lighting, comfortable seating arrangements and music to set the right ambiance for their customers. But there's one underrated aspect of the environment that can make or break an experience: what's playing on the TV.
Imagine that you've just escaped from a family argument over the day's major political news. You go to a local bar and, to your horror, a news channel is loudly playing on the only TV, with commentators rehashing the exact same argument. Now, that beer you were really looking forward to is just fueling another instant stress spike.
During the holiday season, restaurants and bars are a space for customers to unwind from their everyday stresses. When establishments don't think intentionally about the content on their screens, they risk ruining the mood -- turning a customer's exciting and relaxing night out into a lackluster, if not unpleasant, experience.
Keep customers engaged and calm with joyful content
In the middle of a loud, bustling restaurant, where the room is full of varying interests, customers don't want to pay attention to captioned shows or divisive news. They need quick, snackable bites of content that encourages conversation, not silences it. We know that visual art and short videos reduce distress and activate positive mental responses. In fact, engaging with short-form content often prompts a dopamine rush, instantly lifting one's mood.
But cable isn't designed to be watched in that way. Businesses need an entertainment service that gives them back control of what's playing, so they can create a positive mood for their customers with content that's easy to watch in busy environments. The key? Short-form, audio-optional content that's designed for any interest or energy level -- whether you're looking to inform, inspire or entertain.
That's where we come in. We're Atmosphere, the world's leading streaming service for businesses. With over 50+ channels of enjoyable, looped content for businesses to choose from, there is a channel for every type of bar or restaurant and every customer that walks through the door. Plus, our audio-optional content allows businesses to take away loud distractions and noise, which is proven to increase stress.
Business owners like Mark Laufhutte have seen a visible difference in ambiance since using Atmosphere, saying, “We are very pleased with Atmosphere and our guests love it. Many times I look down my bar to see them glued to the TV and laughing and commenting with each other. It's a great platform that encourages group interaction.”
Whether it's Happy TV and its feel-good videos, Geeks Who Drink and its conversation-starting trivia, or Escape TV's tranquil visuals, Atmosphere not only leads to happy, stress-free customers, but shields your bottom-line from expensive and tired cable packages and puts you back in control of your establishment.
Your TVs are an opportunity to engage customers differently during peak spending season
While customers are already paying attention, in a good mood, and a buying mindset, keep them engaged in between bursts of content with your custom marketing materials. Studies show that customers want to be constantly engaged and empowered with information necessary to make decisions -- and you can do just that with digital signage, which has been found to strengthen customer engagement and increase customer satisfaction. Atmosphere's Digital Signage Manager provides businesses with the tools and power to advertise unique promotions year round.
With stats like these, it's clear why that 13,000+ businesses have opted for Atmosphere TV -- it's better for businesses and customers:
- 14% increase in new business
- 16% increase in dwell time
- 19% increase in repeat guests
By offering tailored communication about holiday promotions and conversation-starting, audio-optional content, Atmosphere TV is designed so that every time customers come home for the holidays, you'll be their first stop.
Ready to give your customers content they'll actually like this holiday season? We’d love to hear from you.
