## 4 Discussion  
The aim of the research phases/experiments carried out was to determine whether there is a difference in perception of the shopping atmosphere of retail outlets and the extent to which a pleasant smell is involved in its perception. We verified the assumption of a different consumer perception of the purchasing atmosphere using the Net Promoter Score (NPS) indicator and the Cochran Mantel-Haenszel test, which confirmed that there is a demonstrable difference in the declarative evaluation of selected properties at chain level. Using the Chi-square test, we found a significant difference in the responses related to the assessment of the \"pleasant smell' property only in the case of Kaufland Slovenska republika, v. o. s.  
Ref. [24] state that the presence of the surrounding fragrance in the store can increase natural excitement, thus increasing the attractiveness and pleasantness of the environment. Several studies have identified several reactions to the smell of approach, such as a stronger intention to visit the store, spend more time in it, seek diversity [23], willingness to pay a higher price and spend longer time viewing the goods [24; 25; 26; 27]. In this context, it is proven that the longer time spent at the point of sale influences a more impulsive purchase [73]. At the same time, the object of research were aromas suitable for the use in the department of pastries and bakery products, while the tools of consumer neuroscience were also  
Figure 14: Quantity of units sold in Petrzalka and Nove Mésto nad Váhom branches for the whole category of confectionery and individual subcategories for the period: 10 November 2020–31 January 2021.  
used, similarly to the study. Refs. [30; 74] also highlight the choice of the right aroma for real-conditions deployment, arguing that marketers are increasingly using the surrounding ascent as a strategic tool to differentiate themselves from the competition, attract customers, stimulate sales, influence moods and create overall pleasant and unforgettable shopping experiences. There are several aspects that affect the consumer when making decisions and choices, including mood or emotional state [75; 76]. The role of emotions in the consumer decision-making process is explained by the principle of neurological and cognitive frameworks, such as somatic marker theory [77], which focuses on so-called attention to negative impacts in decision making. The presence of aromas in grocery shops is influenced by naturally released fragrances from exhibited goods in individual sales departments, the smell of baked pastries, the amount of people in the space and the adjustment of air conditioning [30]. Last but not least, the resulting impression of smell at the point of sale may be influenced by aromatisation in individual sales departments, e.g., the smell of coffee in the pastry and bakery products department. Based on the conscious feedback from our respondents, the aromas of coffee and cake (7.78) and coffee house (7.28) were mostly liked as well. The worst rated aroma was fresh baked bread (5.74), which could be due to the composition of the aroma itself (insufficient imitation of synthetic aroma). Fresh baked bread (24 respondents) and coffee and cake (14 respondents) were the most preferred aromas on the basis of the classic feedback. An interesting finding was that, while the respondents did not have the opportunity to smell the samples, they recommended the fresh baked bread fragrance as the best for the bakery department, but when testing the samples themselves, they evaluated the coffee aromas most positively, which can be a suitable addition for this department. For example, the smell of freshly baked bread is used in supermarkets to motivate customers to buy more. When the smell of freshly baked bread came into the grocery shop, sales in the bakery department tripled [78].