5 reasons why cafes play music - Looplist

Here are five reasons why cafes play music, accompanied by scientific reasoning and real-life examples:

1. Enhance Atmosphere and Ambiance:

• Reason: Music has a direct influence on our emotions. Different genres and tempos can elicit various feelings and moods, from relaxed to invigorated.
• Example: Starbucks, a renowned global coffee chain, curates its playlists to create a cozy and welcoming ambiance. They even released albums in collaboration with Spotify to enhance their customers experience.

2. Increase Sales and Dwell Time:

• Reason: Background music can subtly encourage customers to stay longer and, consequently, purchase more. Slower music can make people relax and spend more time, whereas upbeat music can encourage faster walking and energize the atmosphere.
• Example: A study published in the journal [Environment and Behavior] found that people tend to spend more time in restaurants when background music is played, which often leads to increased sales.

3. Mask Background Noises:

• Reason: Ambient sounds, like conversations or the noise of kitchen equipment, can be distracting. Music serves to mask these sounds, creating a more uniform auditory environment.
• Example: Many smaller cafes in busy urban settings use music to drown out the noise of traffic or adjacent businesses.

4. Influence Customer Behavior:

• Reason: The type of music played can affect how customers behave. For instance, classical music has been associated with customers buying more upscale, expensive items.
• Example: A study in the journal [Nature] found that when French music was played in a wine store, customers bought more French wine, and when German music was played, more German wine was purchased.

5. Brand Identity and Differentiation:

• Reason: Music can serve as a part of a brand’s identity, helping to differentiate it from competitors and creating a unique customer experience.
• Example: Dunkin’ Donuts in South Korea used music as part of a marketing campaign where the scent of coffee was released on buses whenever their jingle played. This multisensory branding led to a significant increase in visits to their stores.