When I first started digging into store music impact on shopping statistics, I didn’t expect to find such a strong connection between the songs we hear and the way we shop. It reminded me of how something as simple as a pair of socks can completely change the mood of an outfit—small details make a big difference. Walking into a store with the right playlist feels like walking into a space that understands you, while the wrong track can push you right back out the door. As someone who loves paying attention to these little cues, I found it fascinating to see how rhythm, tempo, and even genre can quietly guide our shopping behavior.
Top 20 Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics 2025 (Editor’s Choice)
# | STATISTICS METRIC | KEY INSIGHTS |
---|---|---|
1 | 72.6% of shoppers notice store music | Background music is widely observed by grocery shoppers, influencing perception. |
2 | +10% sales lift with curated playlists | Grocery stores with tailored playlists boost sales significantly. |
3 | 10% weekday sales increase | Music boosts spending Mon–Thu but shows little to negative effect on weekends. |
4 | +38% sales with slow-tempo music | Classic studies show slower music drives higher purchases and longer browsing. |
5 | 8% retail sales lift | General retail studies confirm music consistently raises sales compared to silence. |
6 | 14% shoppers buy more | Music triggers impulse buying and larger basket sizes. |
7 | 62% stay longer with “good music” | Quality music encourages shoppers to linger and browse. |
8 | 54% leave if music too loud | Excessive volume or explicit lyrics drive customers away. |
9 | 69% enjoy pop in stores | Pop music is the most preferred genre for improving shopping experience. |
10 | 64% enjoy rock music | Rock music also enhances engagement and atmosphere for many shoppers. |
11 | 36% say no music worsens experience | Silence creates a dull environment, reducing enjoyment. |
12 | 70% prefer shopping where music matches taste | Alignment of playlist with demographics builds loyalty and repeat visits. |
13 | Slow music extends dwell time | Encourages slower movement, more browsing, and higher spending, though may cause fatigue. |
14 | Fast tempo increases variety seeking | Shoppers try more products and explore broader assortments with upbeat tracks. |
15 | Genre effects vary by culture | Indian study: Western pop ↑ time, Indipop ↑ spend, classical ↑ pleasure. |
16 | Classical music raises spend on wine | Wine buyers choose pricier bottles when classical music is played. |
17 | Music alters traffic flow | Slow tempo slows down shopper pace, increasing exposure to products. |
18 | −6% sales when staff pick music | Employee-controlled playlists can reduce effectiveness of music strategy. |
19 | Demographic-aligned playlists boost loyalty | Targeted genre selection strengthens engagement across age groups. |
20 | Retailers spend millions on playlists | Coles & Woolworths invest up to AUD 6M yearly, proving ROI of in-store music. |
Top 20 Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics 2025
Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics #1 – 72.6% Of Shoppers Notice Store Music
A large majority of grocery shoppers are conscious of the music playing around them. This shows that background music isn’t just filler—it becomes part of the shopping environment. When nearly three-quarters of people notice it, retailers have an opportunity to shape customer mood. The awareness factor means music selection can impact brand perception. It’s clear that shoppers actively connect their in-store experience to sound.
Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics #2 – +10% Sales Lift With Curated Playlists
Curated playlists in grocery stores have been linked to a significant 10% increase in sales. This indicates that music selection is not random but a strategic driver of revenue. When playlists are designed to align with shopper preferences, customers buy more. It highlights how music can go beyond atmosphere to influence behavior. The right playlist becomes a subtle sales tool in competitive retail.
Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics #3 – 10% Weekday Sales Increase
Research shows that music in supermarkets drives a 10% sales boost on weekdays. This effect disappears, or even reverses, on weekends. It suggests weekday shoppers may be more influenced by music while running errands. The timing of music strategies matters as much as the playlist itself. Retailers can adjust approaches based on customer flow during different days.
Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics #4 – +38% Sales With Slow-Tempo Music
Classic studies found that slow-tempo music increased supermarket sales by 38%. Shoppers slowed down, spent more time browsing, and ended up buying more. This demonstrates the strong link between tempo and consumer pace. A slower rhythm means more time in aisles and higher exposure to products. Retailers using tempo wisely can increase their sales without extra marketing spend.
Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics #5 – 8% Retail Sales Lift
Studies across different retail sectors reveal an average 8% lift in sales when music is present. The effect is consistent, making music a reliable enhancer of shopping behavior. Customers spend more when the store feels lively and inviting. Silence often makes stores feel sterile or uncomfortable. Music creates an atmosphere that naturally encourages spending.

Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics #6 – 14% Shoppers Buy More
About 14% of shoppers admit they buy more when music is playing. This reflects the emotional power of sound in influencing purchase decisions. The right songs trigger a positive mood and impulse buying. Music creates a rhythm that keeps people engaged with products longer. For retailers, this means greater revenue without direct promotions.
Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics #7 – 62% Stay Longer With “Good Music”
Nearly two-thirds of shoppers linger longer when they hear enjoyable music. The length of time spent in-store is strongly tied to basket size. Music becomes an invisible extension of customer service, making the store pleasant. Longer dwell time also increases opportunities for upselling. Retailers who invest in appealing playlists see benefits in loyalty and sales.
Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics #8 – 54% Leave If Music Too Loud
More than half of shoppers leave a store when music is too loud. Noise level plays a crucial role in creating comfort. Poor sound design not only disrupts atmosphere but also drives customers away. Explicit lyrics or harsh tones can equally alienate buyers. The takeaway is that volume control matters as much as song choice.
Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics #9 – 69% Enjoy Pop In Stores
Pop music remains the most popular in-store genre, with 69% of shoppers saying it improves their experience. This genre’s upbeat and familiar nature resonates across demographics. Pop playlists keep energy levels high and stores feeling modern. Shoppers are more likely to connect emotionally with recognizable hits. Retailers can leverage this preference to keep foot traffic engaged.
Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics #10 – 64% Enjoy Rock Music
Rock music is also favored by 64% of consumers in retail environments. The genre adds energy and vibrancy, especially for certain customer bases. Rock’s popularity shows that diverse playlists can reach wider audiences. It enhances brand personality for stores looking to appear bold and dynamic. This confirms that multiple genres have powerful positive effects.

Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics #11 – 36% Say No Music Worsens Experience
For 36% of shoppers, silence worsens the store experience. This group feels that quiet spaces lack energy or atmosphere. Without music, stores risk coming across as cold and transactional. The absence of sound takes away an emotional anchor for customers. Simply playing the right music can turn a dull visit into a positive one.
Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics #12 – 70% Prefer Shopping Where Music Matches Taste
Seventy percent of people prefer stores that play music they personally enjoy. This highlights the role of personalization in retail design. Matching playlists to demographics builds strong brand loyalty. Customers feel more connected when they identify with the store’s atmosphere. Retailers who adapt playlists to target groups increase engagement and repeat visits.
Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics #13 – Slow Music Extends Dwell Time
Slow-tempo music encourages shoppers to move more slowly through the store. This longer exposure boosts the likelihood of extra purchases. However, some customers may feel overly relaxed or fatigued if music is too slow. Balance is key—slow enough to extend visits, but not overwhelming. Strategic tempo adjustments can make dwell time a profit driver.
Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics #14 – Fast Tempo Increases Variety Seeking
Fast-paced music encourages customers to try different products. Shoppers exposed to upbeat tempos experiment more with new items. This reflects the energizing role of fast rhythms in stimulating curiosity. Retailers can use this approach during promotions or product launches. Music tempo becomes a subtle way to spark exploration.
Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics #15 – Genre Effects Vary By Culture
Studies in India show that music genre effects depend on cultural context. Western pop increased time spent, while Indipop drove higher spend. Indian classical music created pleasure, and Western instrumental music raised arousal. This demonstrates the importance of aligning playlists with cultural expectations. One size does not fit all in retail music strategy.

Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics #16 – Classical Music Raises Spend On Wine
Classical music in wine shops led customers to purchase more expensive bottles. The refined tone of classical tracks elevates the shopping experience. Customers associate classical with sophistication, which translates into premium purchases. Interestingly, it didn’t increase the number of bottles, only their value. Retailers of luxury goods can use this insight for targeted influence.
Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics #17 – Music Alters Traffic Flow
Tempo can directly affect the pace at which shoppers move. Slower music slows traffic, creating more browsing opportunities. This effect means customers encounter more products before leaving. Faster tempos, on the other hand, increase turnover but reduce browsing. Retailers can choose music tempo depending on their strategic goals.
Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics #18 – −6% Sales When Staff Pick Music
Sales decreased by 6% when employees controlled the music. Staff-chosen playlists may not align with customer preferences. What employees enjoy doesn’t always translate to sales results. This shows the importance of centralized music strategy. Retailers must design playlists for customers, not staff.
Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics #19 – Demographic-Aligned Playlists Boost Loyalty
When playlists match demographic tastes, customer loyalty increases. Young shoppers may prefer pop, while older groups enjoy classics. Tailoring playlists enhances emotional connection and brand trust. It turns background sound into a marketing channel. Personalization in music fosters stronger engagement across diverse age groups.
Store Music Impact On Shopping Statistics #20 – Retailers Spend Millions On Playlists
Large retailers like Coles and Woolworths spend up to AUD 6 million yearly on in-store music. This heavy investment shows music is seen as a strategic asset. Playlists influence shopper mood, time in-store, and overall sales. Competitors like Aldi skip music to cut costs, but risk losing emotional engagement. Retail giants view music as part of their branding and growth.

Wrapping Up The Rhythm Of Retail
Looking back at these findings, I realize that music in stores is so much more than background noise—it’s a hidden language between retailers and shoppers. I’ve personally lingered longer in shops just because the playlist made me feel at ease, and I know I’m not alone in that. The numbers prove that music impacts how long we stay, how much we spend, and how connected we feel to a brand. For me, it’s the perfect reminder that shopping isn’t just about products; it’s about the atmosphere, the vibe, and those subtle details that shape our choices. Next time I’m out shopping, I know I’ll be listening a little more closely.
SOURCES
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