Dr Michelle Dickinson: nanotechnologist on research saying music in supermarkets impacts sales

This week, we are talking supermarkets!  With groceries increasing in price, many of us want to spend less money in the supermarket. This week research published in the Journal of Marketing Research suggests that all you need to save money is a pair of ear plugs.  The study looked at 150,000 supermarket shopping trips from 7am to 11pm. They partnered with a professional sound design agency to create playlists designed for public spaces. Some of the music (elevator music) had no vocals, while some featured popular songs at the time of the study.  The researchers found significant increases in sales when music was playing in store compared to when the supermarket was silent. This uplift only occurred on shopping carried out from Monday to Thursday, where music loving shoppers spent on average 10 percent more. The scientists theorise that people who shop between Monday and Thursday typically do it after a full day at work when they are already tired. Pleasant music seems to have a mentally soothing effect on these tired shoppers bosting their mood which boosts their shopping habits.  It is thought that people who shop over the weekend are already happier, and therefore the positive power of piped music has little effect.  The study suggests that supermarkets should tailor their sound systems to the days of the week if they want to improve their sales.  More music on a Monday, less on a Sunday.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.