Over the years there have been many studies on the influence of music in business settings. How it affects and influences customers, leads to changes in brand perception (for better or worse!) and leads to an increase in sales.

In short, music can help you grow your business and here are 6 stats that prove how music helps grow sales for business. 

1. 40% increased spending on drinks at bars and restaurants when slower music is playing. (Milliman 1982)

This one should be common sense but you often hear loud, upbeat and vocal music playing at bars and restaurants. This may work in some settings but in most, loud and fast music is a turn off. Let your guests settle in for a good time, when they are comfortable they will order more drinks. 

2. 67% of people find it unimportant that the music played in businesses is popular and recognized from the radio. (Heartbeats International)

You hear major pop artists on the radio or your Spotify playlists and on TV all the time. Do you really want your customers to hear them in your business as well? Playing the same music as everyone else doesn’t provide any unique benefits for your brand as it leads to a generic vibe.

3. 34% increase in time spent in supermarkets that have background music with a corresponding increase in sales. (Milliman 1982)

People don’t go to supermarkets to hang out. The longer they spend in-store the more likely they are to spend more. 

4. 80% increase in impulse purchases in a retailer where music and scent fitted each other. (Matilla & Wirtz, 2001)

This is one that isn’t explored as much as others. You see it with fashion retailers and hotels the most but scent can be applied to many different kinds of businesses. From the moment someone walks in being welcomed with a carefully curated sound and scent combination can be an incredibly effective tool for brand perception and increasing sales. 

5. 3X increase in sales at a wine shop when classical music was played instead of pop music. (Aren & Kim 1993)

This one should also be common sense but as noted with bars above, playing classical or slow music leads to a more relaxed and upscale vibe which in turn leads to increased sales. 

6. 66% of employees feel that music positively affects their well-being at work. (Heartbeats International)

As we have mentioned in several of our reports, music isn’t exclusively about creating the right experience your customers. The right music also helps improve staff efficiency, performance and mood. 

As the numbers show, music really does make a difference so it’s important that you do it right. Playing music from personal playlists isn’t always the right choice as what works for you or your employees personally may be the opposite of what works for your customers and your brand.

Have any questions? Get in touch with us today for a free consultation on how music can grow your business.