Located in the heart of Niort, the shop Hugo Optics chose to entrust to Diaphane Projects the creation of its bespoke olfactory identity .
The goal was simple: to transform each visit into a a sensory experience , harmonious and perfectly consistent with the soul of the place.
There are shops where you feel good from the very first seconds. Even before you look up, before you see the frames lined up or hear a "hello", something invisible welcomes, reassures, and makes you feel at home.
This is exactly what Optique Hugo wanted to offer its customers.
Known for its exacting standards, carefully selected frames, and expert advice, the boutique felt the need to add another dimension: a warm and elegant fragrance , befitting the experience it offered. An intangible detail, yet crucial. A signature that tells the story of the place without a word.
To bring this project to life, Optique Hugo called upon the expertise of Diaphane Projects , a studio specializing in the creation of olfactory signatures for professional spaces .
The need: a welcome that is felt before one even sees each other.
During our first meeting, the Optique Hugo team expressed a simple intention: "We want a scent that reflects the place. Something soothing, something that makes you want to stay."
We took the time to observe the boutique: the flow of the space, the lighting, the materials, the graphic design, but also the pace of customer visits. Then we explored the brand's DNA: elegance , precision , gentleness , and that attention to detail characteristic of passionate opticians.
The challenge was clear: to create a room fragrance that would enhance the customer experience without overpowering it, highlighting the quality of the advice without distracting from the frames. A professional olfactory signature , both distinctive and subtle.
The obvious choice: an olfactory identity centered around Amber
Very quickly, one olfactory family emerged: Amber .
We envisioned a luminous and modern amber , far removed from overly dense or oriental ambers. An amber that exudes clarity, softness, and a welcoming feel, perfectly in keeping with the world of a contemporary optician.
The chosen composition combines:
- Bergamot & lemon : a fresh burst, a luminous opening that delicately captures attention.
- Patchouli & sandalwood : substance, depth, a warm base that structures the fragrance.
- Sweet vanilla : an enveloping roundness that reassures and invites you to stay.
The result: a warm and enveloping amber fragrance , conceived as a halo. A discreet yet memorable olfactory presence that blends naturally into the store's atmosphere.
Diffusion: a controlled breath in space
To deploy this olfactory identity in the store, we opted for a portable and discreet electric diffuser , adapted to the needs of an optician: cleanliness, regularity of diffusion, control of intensity.
The fragrance never imposes itself. It accompanies. Upon entering, customers don't think "it smells like something," but rather: "It's pleasant in here."
That's the whole point of a bespoke olfactory signature : to create an atmosphere, not a demonstration effect.
Feedback: a smell that has now become part of the place
Since the introduction of this amber-scented room fragrance , the feedback has been very positive.
"This scent is an integral part of the place. It evokes comfort and refinement, and contributes to the very identity of the boutique."
The Optique Hugo team has also noticed a subtle shift in customer behavior: a different way of moving around, taking their time, and being more willing to be guided. The atmosphere seems to be gently slowing down and inviting calm.
She sums up the experience in one sentence:
"This fragrance perfectly embodies what we had in mind. Thank you to Diaphane Projects for their sensitivity, attentiveness, and expertise."
From the shop to the memory: what we take with us
Optique Hugo hasn't simply acquired an additional fragrance. The store has gained a sensory dimension , an invisible presence that extends the experience long after the visit.
Because some places linger in our memories long after we've left them. Their scent often plays a significant role. A precise, coherent, and expertly crafted fragrance becomes a true marker of identity : it tells the story of the place, supports the brand's message, and strengthens the connection with customers.
With Diaphane Projects , Optique Hugo has acquired a unique olfactory signature , perfectly aligned with its values and level of requirements.
Project: olfactory identity – Optique Hugo, optician in Niort (79).
