In the literature, the construct of atmosphere relates to customers’ perception of specific components in different service contexts (e.g. Hansen et al., 2005; Troye and Heide, 1987). One study notes how atmosphere has been discussed as an important tool for how one can change or influence customers’ attitudes and behaviors (Kotler, 1973).
Bitner (1992) states that the construct of atmosphere is paramount for service organizations because services are produced and consumed simultaneously. This special singular characteristic implies both that the customer will be exposed to the atmosphere of the ‘production site’ and that customers’ perceptions of the atmospheric qualities are related to customers’ responses (e.g. Heide and Grønhaug, 2006). One contributor to atmosphere is the physical environment, which Bitner (1992) describes as ‘services-cape’. Although services-cape is important in relation to customers’ experiences, the construct of atmosphere embraces more than the physical environment where services are delivered. The atmosphere may be divided into three facets: