(Re)thinking place atmospheres in marketing theory. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Steadman, Chloe; Roberts, Gareth; Medway, Dominic; Millington, Steve; Platt, Louise
• Is Part Of: Marketing theory. Volume 21:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 135
• Page End: 154
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Atmosphere -- atmospherics -- football -- memory -- place -- routines -- time; Marketing -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Marketing research -- Periodicals; Marketing research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Marketing -- Periodicals; 381.01
• DOI: 10.1177/1470593120920344
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-5931

Abstract

This article explores consumers' experiences of place atmospheres through a study into football matches, a context in which atmosphere is pertinent. While existing marketing literature concerning atmospherics largely conceptualises atmosphere as controllable, singular, and confined to the consumption environment and experience under investigation, we instead contribute a more spatially and temporally porous theorisation. Drawing insights from both consumer research and geography surrounding affect, embodiment and atmosphere, we unpack the spatial and temporal aspects of atmosphere in relation to consumers' past memories, disrupted routines, and anticipations of future. The article contributes, therefore, to bourgeoning literature within marketing and consumer research regarding the consumption in – and of – places.