Comments on: Why do stores turn on the AC full-blast, then leave the doors open?

Question: Why do stores turn on the AC full-blast, then leave the doors open?

invisible ink — Fri, 22 Jul 2005 17:34:59 -0800

Why do so many clothing stores in southern California leave their doors open with the AC on and blasting into the scorching heat outside, even though we're in the middle of an energy crisis? I'm referring specifically to a Banana Republic store in an outdoor shopping district in Pasadena, California, but I've also seen this in other SoCal areas as well. Is this some marketing gimmick meant to entice customers away from the heat? Or do some employees really don't know any better?

By: smackfu

smackfu — Fri, 22 Jul 2005 18:12:23 -0800

If it's a marketing gimmick, it's a successful one, because I've been enticed in more than once.

By: chuckforthought.com

chuckforthought.com — Fri, 22 Jul 2005 18:13:27 -0800

agreed

By: danb

danb — Fri, 22 Jul 2005 18:58:26 -0800

Well, we're here talking about it, aren't we? Apparently they got us to notice. :)

By: gyc

gyc — Fri, 22 Jul 2005 18:58:46 -0800

And it's not just limited just to southern California. The practice seems to be the same all around the world.

By: Alylex

Alylex — Fri, 22 Jul 2005 18:58:55 -0800

It's not just in California. Almost every store on Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, Virginia this week is air conditioning the great 98 degree outdoors.

By: mmascolino

mmascolino — Fri, 22 Jul 2005 19:00:44 -0800

I'd say its a bit more than a marketing gimmick. You have the AC on because its damn hot. You leave the doors open to show that you are open and accomodating to customers.

By: b1tr0t

b1tr0t — Fri, 22 Jul 2005 19:32:19 -0800

Why do Californians insist on irrigating their extensive lawns and gardens in a region that is naturally a desert?

If you try to apply logic to California, you will just go crazy. I cannot recommend attempting to do so.

By: majick

majick — Fri, 22 Jul 2005 19:33:37 -0800

I first noticed this practice years ago in Vegas. Casinos with entrances directly off the sidewalk on the strip would actually have AC vents backed by high power fans, right over the doors, blasting into the meandering crowd.

Those which didn't have sidewalk entrances, or which had elaborate conveyances to their entrances, didn't have this feature. They had normal, closed doors.

By: Decani

Decani — Fri, 22 Jul 2005 19:54:15 -0800

My guess would be along the lines of "Crisis? What crisis? This is America man - learn the rules."

But that would be the snotty Euro in me speaking, I guess.

By: whatzit

whatzit — Fri, 22 Jul 2005 20:02:27 -0800

Guys, there's a lot wrong with the US ways of using energy, but gyc is right. This happens in (first-hand speaking) Bangkok, Rio de Janeiro, and Paris, among many other places.

By: Mitheral

Mitheral — Fri, 22 Jul 2005 20:33:07 -0800

One other thing to be aware of is some of these doorways may be utilizing air curtians. It's quite possible to have a 40F temperature differential across an air curtian and the breeze generated will feel cooler than the still outside air.

By: donovan

donovan — Fri, 22 Jul 2005 22:30:58 -0800

I can't find the link, but the New York Times Sunday Style section recently had an article that examined air conditioning in retail environments. Their unscientific survey (with thermometer) determined that coldness was a fucntion of luxury and they plotted several store's temperatures ranging from warm (Old Navy) to very cold (Prada, I think).

By: nixerman

nixerman — Sat, 23 Jul 2005 05:52:42 -0800

It's not a marketing gimmick so much as common sense. It works really well. Particularly in tourist-heavy areas, you can bring a lot of hot, bothered people into your store just to cool off. I walk by several such stores everyday and when you get hit by that sudden blast of cold air it's a strong incentive to step in and take a break.

By: Carol Anne

Carol Anne — Sun, 24 Jul 2005 10:26:35 -0800

Not only does downtown Seattle's Sephora store leave its main doors open, I swear it pumps fragrance out at Westlake Mall. Yuk!