Let's face it. A trip to the car dealership is unlike any other shopping experience. Aggressive salespeople, bright lights, pressure and uncertainty traditionally have shadowed the experience. But many car dealerships are trying to change that, according to Florida Today. They want relaxed, comfortable

and stress-free customers, and their attempts at tranquility are changing the landscape of car sales.

Automobile dealerships are expanding their showrooms beyond the traditional lukewarm cup of coffee and a place to sit. They're offering diversions and entertainment to entice time-crunched customers and keep them coming back. Among the carrots being dangled: children's play areas, restaurants, putting greens, barbershops and movie theaters with stadium seating.

"Child care, restaurants and other extras associated with car dealerships make sense, if the dealership provides good, affordable service, first of all," said Michael Marsden, dean and academic vice president of St. Norbert College in DePere, Wis. Marsden, a professor, author and nationally recognized expert in popular culture, pays particular attention to the automobile industry and teaches a class called "The Automobile in American Culture."

By adding restaurants and other amenities, Marsden said, "you could have the next generation of automobile dealerships."