The importance of utilising background retail music is well established. Have you ever noticed the music playing in the background while you shop? It’s not just a coincidence. Retailers carefully choose the music they play to influence your shopping behaviour. In fact, studies have shown that background music can have a significant impact on the way we shop.
One of the primary ways that background music influences shopping behaviour is by creating a particular atmosphere or mood. For example, playing upbeat, fast-paced music can create a sense of energy and excitement, which can encourage shoppers to move quickly through the store and make impulsive purchases. On the other hand, slow and calming music can create a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, encouraging shoppers to browse at a leisurely pace and potentially spend more time in the store.
Another way that background music influences shopping behaviour is through its emotional impact. Music has the power to evoke strong emotions, and retailers use this to their advantage. For example, playing music that aligns with the values or culture of a particular brand can help to create a sense of connection and loyalty with shoppers. Alternatively, playing music that triggers positive emotions like happiness or nostalgia can also encourage shoppers to feel good about their experience in the store and potentially make more purchases.
Additionally, background music can also affect the pace of shopping. Studies have shown that shoppers tend to move at a slower pace when slow music is playing, potentially leading them to spend more time in the store and make more purchases. Conversely, fast-paced music can lead to quicker decision-making and shorter shopping trips.
Overall, the influence of background music on shopping behaviour is significant and should not be underestimated. Retailers spend a lot of time and money selecting the right music to create the desired atmosphere, evoke the right emotions, and ultimately drive sales. As a consumer, it’s essential to be aware of these tactics and be mindful of how the music may be affecting your shopping behaviour.
In-Store Audio to meet your demographic
Choosing the sound for your business!
In-Store Audio to meet your demographic
There have been several studies that have explored the relationship between background music and shopper behaviour. Here are some statistics that demonstrate the impact of music on shopping behaviour:
- Music can influence shopping pace: A study conducted by Milliman in 1982 found that playing slower music in a supermarket led to shoppers spending more time in the store and purchasing more items. In contrast, playing faster music led to quicker decision-making and shorter shopping trips.
- Music can increase spending: A study conducted by the Swedish Retail Institute found that shoppers spent more money when they were exposed to music in a retail environment. Specifically, the study found that shoppers spent 9.1% more when slow music was played and 11.6% more when fast music was played.
- Music can create emotional connections: A study conducted by HUI Research in Sweden found that playing music that was perceived as a good match for a store’s brand identity increased shoppers’ emotional connection with the store. Specifically, the study found that playing music that aligned with a store’s values led to increased feelings of loyalty and trust.
- Music can impact impulse buying: A study conducted by Yalch and Spangenberg in 1990 found that playing background music with a moderate tempo and volume led to increased impulse buying behaviour.
- Music can impact brand perception: A study conducted by North, Hargreaves, and McKendrick in 1999 found that playing different genres of music in a wine store impacted shoppers’ perception of the wines. Specifically, playing French music led to shoppers perceiving the wines as more expensive and higher quality, while playing German music led to shoppers perceiving the wines as lower quality.
These statistics demonstrate the significant impact that background music can have on shopper behaviour. Retailers can use music strategically to influence shoppers’ pace, spending, emotional connection with the store, impulse buying behaviour, and even their perception of the products being sold.
