What These Famous Stores Are Doing in Audio Marketing (That You Might Want to Try)

In the fast-evolving world of retail, sound is no longer just background noise. Today’s top brands are turning in-store audio into a strategic asset — one that boosts brand recall, shapes shopper mood, and even drives conversion.

So what exactly are these famous stores doing with their audio, and more importantly, what can you take away from them?

Here are some top audio marketing moves you might want to steal, tweak, or scale for your own business:

1.    Mastercard: A Sonic Logo That Plays at Checkout

What They’re Doing: Mastercard developed a signature 1.3-second “sonic logo” that plays when customers complete transactions — instantly reinforcing brand identity.

Why It Works: It’s quick, subtle, and memorable. Perfect branding without saying a word.

What You Can Try: Create a short brand sound or jingle that plays in your app, checkout counter, or phone system.

2. Sephora: Voice Integration & Quiet Hours

   
   

   What They’re Doing: Sephora has piloted voice assistant integrations in stores to help customers find products and also introduced “quiet hours” with softer music for sensory-sensitive shoppers.

   
   

   Why It Works: It enhances both functionality and customer care — two key differentiators in modern retail.

   
   

   What You Can Try: Implement voice search kiosks or offer music-controlled shopping hours to appeal to neurodiverse customers.

3. Uniqlo: Playlist as Brand Extension

   
   

   What They're Doing: Uniqlo partners with Soundtrack to curate how customers perceive the brand through in-store audio. When it comes to overhead music, the most important element for Uniqlo is striking a balance between variety and mood-setting tracks.

   
   

   Why It Works: Music isn’t just a vibe — it becomes a signature.

   
   

   What You Can Try: Curate your own brand playlist and share it online. Let your store “sound” live beyond your walls.

Final Thoughts: Make Sound Part of Your Brand Strategy

In-store audio is no longer an afterthought. Done right, it becomes your silent salesperson, your brand ambassador, and your mood manager — all in one.

You don’t need a huge budget to start. You just need intentionality. Choose your sounds the same way you’d choose your store layout or product design, with your brand and customer in mind.

Need help designing your in-store audio experience? Drop us a message and we’ll help you tune in to what works.