Consumers divided when it comes to hearing in-store holiday music

Not all consumers love hearing holiday music while they shop. 

Nearly one in five Americans say holiday music playing in stores makes them want to leave or avoid entering, according to a survey from CouponFollow. But 30% of those surveyed said that holiday music makes them want to enter or stay longer. Just over half (51%) said music has no impact on their holiday shopping decisions.

Over half of Americans (52%) say holiday music enhances their shopping mood, but one in eight experience the opposite effect. Gen Z is most likely to agree that holiday music playing in stores wants them to leave or avoid entering. 

The “Rhythms of Retail” survey found that fans of gospel (61%), classical (44%) and jazz (37%) are most likely to enter or stay when a store plays holiday music. Fans of indie, alternative and metal music are the most likely to to leave or avoid entering when a store plays holiday tunes. 

When it comes to the top holiday songs played by retailers this holiday season, consumers can expect to hear some familiar classics. The top holiday songs on shopping and retail playlists on Spotify are: 

• “Winter Wonderland” - by Tony Bennet;
• “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby, Ken Darby Singers, John Scott Trotter & His Orchestra
• “Sleigh Ride” by The Ronettes;
• “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole; and 
• “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” - by Sam Smith.

The top artists are:

• Taylor Swift;
• Michael Buble;
• Pentatonix;
• Ariana Grande; and
• One Direction.

“As the holiday season approaches, the right melody might just be a key to unlocking greater shopper satisfaction and increased sales,” said Coupon Follow. “Our findings suggest a tailored approach to in-store music could enhance the shopping atmosphere, potentially increasing consumer spending. Retailers might consider these insights to curate holiday playlists that resonate with their target audience.”

Music is also playing a key role in what Americans buy as gifts this holiday season. According to the survey, one-in-six Americans want concert tickets as a gift this holiday season, with punk music fans most likely to say so (41%). One-in-eight Americans want band t-shirts as a gift this holiday season, with metal music fans most likely to say so (42%). Punk and metal fans are the most likely to want music merchandise overall as a gift this holiday season at 35% and 33% respectively.

For the report, Coupon Follow analyzed Spotify data on shopping and retail playlists and surveyed 1,005 Americans.