How In-Store Music Sets the Mood for Summer Shopping

Music does more than fill silence, it shapes how people feel, move, and even buy. In an in-store setting, the right soundtrack can turn a routine shopping trip into an experience customers remember. As summer rolls in, music becomes an even more powerful tool to influence mood, energy, and time spent in-store.

During summer, shoppers tend to look for lightness and ease. Upbeat, feel-good music instantly creates a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere, helping customers slow down, browse longer, and enjoy the space. Whether it’s a breezy pop track or a laid-back summer beat, music sets the tone before a single product is even noticed.

Here's What Research Says

A compelling study by Bruner (1990) found that background music significantly impacts consumer behavior in retail settings. In Bruner’s research, shoppers exposed to familiar, enjoyable music tended to stay longer in the store, evaluate products more positively, and ultimately spend more than those in silent environments. The study concluded that music not only influences mood but also enhances attention and increases the likelihood of purchase.¹

More recent research supports this too: music tempo and genre can shape shopping speed, perception of value, and customer satisfaction. For example, slower background music has been shown to encourage slower browsing and more thoughtful purchasing decisions most especially useful for lifestyle brands and seasonal promos.²

Sources:

¹ Bruner, Gordon C. “Music, Mood, and Marketing.” Journal of Marketing, 1990.

² North, Adrian C., et al. “Effects of Music on Consumer Behavior.” Journal of Retailing, multiple studies.

Summer Vibes, Stronger Sales

Music can instantly evoke memories and emotions tied to summer — beach days, road trips, backyard barbecues, long sunsets, and carefree afternoons. When customers hear music that feels like summer, they’re more likely to associate those positive emotions with your brand.

Here are some great examples of current and pop tracks that naturally fit this vibe:

Here’s How We Can Make Music Work for You This Summer

Creating the right in-store soundtrack goes beyond simply playing songs; it’s about designing an experience that fits your brand, your customers, and the summer season.

Every brand has a personality. We curate playlists that sound authentic to who you are, whether that’s fun and youthful, relaxed and family-friendly, or fresh and modern, so the music feels intentional, not random.

By blending well-loved pop hits with newer and curated tracks, we keep your in-store music engaging. Customers recognize the songs they love while discovering new ones, creating a playlist that feels both comfortable and current.

Music is adjusted based on the flow of the day—calmer, softer tracks during hotter or quieter periods, and more upbeat selections during peak hours. This helps manage energy in-store and keeps customers comfortable and engaged.

From beach-inspired vibes to road-trip energy and weekend feels, we align playlists with your seasonal promotions. Music reinforces your summer messaging, helping campaigns feel more immersive and emotionally resonant.

When curated with purpose, music becomes more than background sound. It becomes a silent salesperson: enhancing mood, supporting campaigns, and turning summer vibes into stronger engagement and better in-store performance.