Why Your Store Should Start Playing Christmas Songs This Ber Months

Every Filipino knows the signal that the Ber months have arrived—Christmas music starts playing everywhere, and Jose Mari Chan memes flood our social feeds. It’s the unofficial start of the holiday season in the Philippines.

But beyond the jokes, there’s a marketing truth here: music sets the mood—and for retailers, the right soundtrack can boost the shopping experience.

Why Put Music in Your Stores This Ber Months?

1. Instant Festive Vibes – A few familiar Christmas tunes can transform an ordinary shopping trip into a heartwarming experience. Customers feel the season’s cheer, which encourages longer browsing time and repeat visits.

2. Emotional Connection – Music is powerful. A Jose Mari Chan classic or a well-loved carol sparks nostalgia, connecting your brand with fond holiday memories.

3. Stronger Sales Energy – Studies show that music influences customer behavior. Slow, sentimental songs make shoppers linger; upbeat tunes can energize them to buy more.

   
   

It’s not just in the Philippines—globally, retailers are rolling out Christmas playlists earlier each year. A study by Cloud Cover Music found that some stores start holiday music as early as October, while streaming platforms like Spotify report that Christmas playlists double in streams by mid-November. This shows customers are ready to hear festive songs even before December.

Here's how to make it work for your store:

As early as September, sprinkle in light, cheerful background tracks to ease customers into the season without overwhelming them.

By November and December, go all-in with a holiday playlist featuring classics (yes, plenty of Jose Mari Chan) alongside modern covers for variety.

A café might use jazzy Christmas covers, while a family store thrives on playful, nostalgic songs. Choose tracks that reflect your store’s personality.

Keep your playlist dynamic. Rotate songs weekly or mix in different versions of classics so customers don’t feel like they’re hearing the same tune on repeat.

From Meme to Effective Marketing Tool

The Jose Mari Chan meme isn’t just for laughs—it’s proof that Filipinos are wired to welcome Christmas early. Lean into the humor! A wink to Jose Mari Chan on your social media, paired with festive in-store music, can help your brand stay top-of-mind and season-ready.

So this September, don’t just wait for the memes. Turn up the music in your stores and let the holiday spirit sing—because in the Philippines, Christmas begins with a song.