Ever wondered why your local Coles or Woolworths always seems to have music playing in the background? It turns out, it's not just for ambiance—retail giants are using carefully curated playlists to influence your shopping behaviour and encourage you to spend more.
The Science Behind Supermarket Soundtracks
Research has shown that background music in supermarkets isn't just random. Retailers strategically select tracks with specific tempos and volumes to create an atmosphere that keeps shoppers in-store longer—and spending more.
Slow Tempo = More Spending
Studies reveal that slower music subconsciously makes customers move more slowly through the aisles, giving them more time to browse—and add extra items to their trolleys.
Volume Matters
Louder music tends to make shoppers move faster, which might explain why checkout areas often have more upbeat, higher-volume tracks playing.
The Retailers' Playbook
Both Coles and Woolworths employ teams dedicated to crafting the perfect in-store soundtrack:
- Music is tailored to different store sections
- Playlists change throughout the day to match shopping patterns
- Holiday seasons bring specially curated festive music
Consumer Reactions
While some shoppers appreciate the background music, others find it manipulative. "I never realised they were playing mind games with the music," said one surprised customer. "Now I'll be paying more attention to what's playing when I shop."
Retail psychology experts suggest that being aware of these tactics can help consumers make more conscious spending decisions during their supermarket visits.
