Music is an essential aspect of the shopping experience for many customers, and it’s one that retailers can use to their advantage. There are three main types of music used in retail: background music (typically played at supermarkets), mood-setting music (played at boutiques and home goods stores) and welcome/exit songs. Background tunes usually have a fast tempo, such as pop or rock ‘n roll; they may also be themed based on the store’s theme. Mood-setting music typically has a slower tempo, such as classical or jazz; these tracks are often chosen to enhance the atmosphere rather than stimulate activity among shoppers.
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What is ambient music?
Ambient music describes music that is played in a low volume rather than a high volume. It can be used to set the mood and the atmosphere for an area or setting, such as retail stores. Many businesses have begun adding ambient noise to their stores to help boost sales. Ambient music has been shown to increase sales by as much as 30%.
Ambient music also helps with relaxation and stress relief. This is why it’s often used in spas, yoga studios and massage parlors across the nation. Adding ambient noise isn’t just for retail settings either; many offices use background noise when having meetings to make sure everyone stays focused on the topic at hand.
The power of ambient music in retail
According to an article in the Journal of Marketing, retailers can boost sales by 30% by adding background music. The added benefit is that it doesn’t cost very much for a business to add ambient noise; most businesses only have to purchase a few CDs or MP3s, and they are on their way to creating the perfect atmosphere for shopping. If you don’t want to go through all that effort, many online resources are available to find ambient noise recordings. This will give your business an edge over other competitors who may not be offering the same experience for their customers. Ambient music for retail stores can also make customers feel less rushed, making them more likely to stay longer in stores and check out items they may not have if they felt pressure to stay on a tight schedule.
Ambient music in retail stores
Retailers need to remember that the type of music played can significantly affect customer perception and their behavior. If you have a new or recently remodeled store, it might be best to play background music. At the same time, things are being built and decorated to keep customers from getting confused about what is available for sale and what is simply scenery for the store. However, once the construction is complete, removing this ambient noise can help bring attention back to your products and encourage shoppers to focus more on purchasing items rather than staring at blank walls waiting for something cool to catch their eye.
Another thing retailers need to remember when playing ambient music in their stores is to make sure that the type of background noise they play matches the theme of your business. For example, if your store sells clothing and shoes, you probably shouldn’t be playing classical music throughout; that could cause some confusion with shoppers about what kind of clothes and accessories are meant to go with which style of music.
If you want your customers to have a great experience shopping at your store, it’s essential to use effective ambient noise and choose ambient noise that fits well with the rest of your products.
