Matching Music to Customer Moods
- Marico Advertising
- Mar 28
- 2 min read
Imagine walking into your favorite restaurant for breakfast greeted by loud, fast-paced music.
Does it energize you or add to the stress of the day?
Now, picture entering the same store to the sound of soft, calming melodies.
The music in your store can significantly influence your customers' moods and shopping behaviors, often without them even realizing it.
This blog explores how strategically aligning in-store music with the changing moods of customers throughout the day can enhance their shopping experience and positively impact your business.
Understanding the Impact of Music Tempo on Consumer Behavior

Research has demonstrated that the tempo of background music can subconsciously affect customer behavior in retail environments.
Tempo, mode, genre, and volume are key musical components that impact our desire to buy.
Here are real world case studies on stores who have executed this successfully:
Supermarket Study (1982)
Strategy: A supermarket experimented with playing slow-tempo music during business hours.
Outcome: The slower music led to a 32% increase in sales compared to periods with no music, as customers spent more time browsing the aisles.
Restaurant Study (1999):
Strategy: A restaurant alternated between fast and slow-tempo background music during dining hours.
Outcome: When slow music was played, patrons spent more time at their tables and purchased more alcoholic beverages, whereas fast music resulted in quicker table turnover.
Retail Density and Music Tempo Study (2007):
Strategy: Researchers examined the combined effect of store crowding (density) and music tempo on shopping behaviors.
Outcome: In high-density conditions, slow-tempo music enhanced perceptions of the shopping experience, while fast-tempo music in low-density settings increased the amount of money spent.
Implementing a Dynamic Music Strategy for your store

Here are a few key points to understand to effectively tailor your in-store music for the desired customer behavior:
Understand Your Customer Demographics: Analyze the age, preferences, and shopping habits of your target audience to select appropriate music genres and tempos.
Monitor and Adapt: Regularly assess customer responses to different music selections and adjust your playlists to better align with their moods and behaviors.
Leverage Professional Services: Consider partnering with in-store music providers who can curate playlists based on data-driven insights and marketing objectives.
Here is a guide to help you get started in effectively leveraging music in your store:
Morning (8 AM - 12 PM):
Customer Mood: Energetic, goal-oriented, seeking efficiency.
Music Strategy: Play upbeat, mid-tempo music to maintain energy without causing overstimulation.
Afternoon (12 PM - 4 PM):
Customer Mood: Relaxed, open to browsing, less rushed.
Music Strategy: Incorporate slower-tempo, soothing music to encourage leisurely shopping and increased time spent in-store.
Evening (4 PM - 8 PM):
Customer Mood: Fatigued, winding down, seeking comfort.
Music Strategy: Utilize soft, mellow tunes to create a calming atmosphere, enhancing the overall shopping experience.
By thoughtfully aligning your in-store music with the evolving moods of your customers throughout the day, you can create a more engaging and enjoyable shopping environment.
Is your store's soundtrack in harmony with your customers' daily rhythms?
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