What music is on in your store, if any?

[RozR]

I am just curious what music, if any, others play in their stores.

In my past chapters, calling on retailers - it is very obvious the style of the store by the music that is playing - or not playing.

And, if I walk into a store with blasting heavy metal - I know there is NOTHING in that store for me!!! Now, it could just be the clerk on at the time thinking it is up to him/her to play what their personal taste is.

I prefer to think that the kind of music provides a background to how the customers feel while in your store.

There are days I want to blast the oldies station just to "kick it up" but other days I want soft and peaceful... but usually stick with "middle of the road" radio station, til it puts me to sleep (which would only occur when I have absolutely nothing to do and we know how often that is). My CD player only holds one CD so that becomes too much to keep changing or listening over and over to the same one... until I move a multiple cd changer up on my wish list (not a high priority at this point)...

So, tune me in to your in-store music style.

Thanks, Roz

[Eclectix]

You can't go wrong with Nora Jones! We also play Diana Krall, John Mayer & compilation CD's from Starbuck's or Pottery Barn (works for them!).

[Ron Eggers]

Roz, there are some great past threads about this, so do a little searching.

I've tried a lot of different things. Public radio filled the bill admirably at certain times of the day but then, without warning, they would shift from music to a call-in discussion about economic depression or child-molestation. Important topics, to be sure, but not very conducive to selling.

Since about December, I have played classical music almost exclusively, with very occasional "new age," like Enya or anything from Winham Hill records. (Warning: Do not get confused and buy a bunch of music in the New Wave section, thinking it will be the same thing. It's going to be Thomas Dolby, the Bangles and the Eurythmics, all of which I enjoy, but not in the shop.)

Customers, for the first time, have started commenting on their approval of the music in my shop. You can actually see some of them visibly start to unwind and relax to Mozart and Vivaldi. Then we have to play the William Tell Overture to wake 'em up.

I have one of those 100-slot CD changers and it's loaded. One great thing about classical, is you can go to Sam's Club and buy 50 CDs for about $50. Apparently, nobody wants them.

I've started listening to classical about half the time in my car. Sometime on Warped I'll tell you about the other half.

[Ron Eggers]

I forgot to mention that, about the time I started playing classical music in the shop, I also started wearing socks.

It's all part of the sophisticated new look and feel of The Total Picture.

Hanes makes grey athletic socks that don't show the stains as easily as the white ones, and they go with every pair of blue jeans I own.

[Art On Canvas]

Classical is the only music customers ever hear. A radio is tuned to "Classic 99" all business hours.

[Sherry Lee]

Roz,

Here's a twist:

When the stock market is in a downward mode, play easy Jazz......it soothes the soul. Classical is good for that as well.

When the stock market is in an upward mode, have the TV on with the stock market graph displayed so all the customers know.....the customers like the good news and find it easier to spend a little extra! ;)

[Mike Labbe @ GTP]

Nice thread! I'll check out some of the others mentioned here, for sure.

Our music includes John Mayer(multiple), Andrea Bocelli(multiple), Enya(multiple), Enigma(multiple), Bond, Sarah Brightman, Charlotte Church(multiple), Andrew Lloyd Webber(multiple), and some compilation cds with jazz samplers, riverdance irish music, and Celine(don't throw fruit at me!).

We only have a 5 disc changer, so we rotate them once in a while to keep it interesting.

Mike

[Ron Eggers]

I know that consumers respond to market trends, whether they're personally invested or not, but I didn't know the effect would be instantaneous.

I HAVE noticed that a customer will sometimes stop writing, in mid-check, as if having second thoughts, when some unfortunate funeral dirge turns up in my classical mix. Classical is very powerful music - probably just the opposite of elevator music - and can sometimes have an unintended effect. There is a tune, with a lot of classical guitar, that is so sweet, it always makes me weep. This is not what your customer wants to see when you're closing in on a big sale.

I may have to start burning my own mixes.

[Sherry Lee]

Ron,
I don't know just how instantaneous market results are, but it seems faster these days because folks want positive results so much. I can tell you that the weekend outdoor art shows I participate in have better results if the market ended way up on the prior Friday. If the Friday bottom-line was way down, we might as well have stayed home! Unbelievable as that seems, it was just that predictable during this last season. Go figure!! :rolleyes:

[soho]

Radio stations here in FLA-USA are pretty lame. It's either oldies which means Credence Clearwater 6 times an hour (I used to like them alot!) or the "smooth jazz" station which has absolutely no relationship to Jazz...Kenny G does not qualify, Coltrane does!...so we generally put 6 CDs in the player and go for "real jazz" or occasionally Reggae, Bob Marley, or something fairly soothing and mellow to get people in that relaxed let's spend money mood. For openings at our gallery we mix it up with much more upbeat music. We keep the volume up which makes the people talk louder which makes them think something exciting is going on. Here's a hint...if you want to clear a room try a little Celine!!!

[B. Newman]

Dealing with antiques as well as art, and being located on a farm we tend to play a lot of "roots" music. Sort of a mix of country, early American, folk and bluegrass.

When I'm alone, and expect to be that way a while, I may play Willie and Waylon, etc or Allison Krauss and Emmy Lou Harris. Other wise, most anything with dulcimers, mandolins, and "mountain" music works great for us.

(Love that Willie Nelson "Troublemaker" cd. Who'da thunk Willie would do a Gospel cd? :rolleyes: In fact he's done at least 2!)

Betty

[Pat Murphey]

We play jazz pianist Beegie Adair CD's one at a time (no changer) over and over, currently "The Songs of Richard Rodgers". Customers love the music. Sometimes they will just stand and listen. We are regularly having to show the CD cover to customers.

We have played Beegie Adair's "I'll Take Romance" and "Dream Dancing - Songs from Cole Porter" with the same response.

My wife has a rule: No lyrics in a retail establishment. Seems to be a good idea.

Pat :D

[Ron Eggers]

Originally posted by Pat Murphey:
My wife has a rule: No lyrics in a retail establishment. Seems to be a good idea. That's an excellent rule, Pat, though I never really thought about it.

For a while I was playing alot of Janis Ian and people of my generation seemed to enjoy it a lot. After a while, I started thinking, "This is lovely, lyrical, nostalgic and OPRESSIVE!" I'd come in to work all happy and cheerful and leave at the end of the day feeling nearly suicidal.

Several tracks on Joni Mitchell's 'Blue' album affect me the same way, though I think it's the best thing she ever did.

I'm telling ya, music is dangerous!

Does anybody just not play any music at all in the shop? (I can't imagine.)

[wpfay]

If left to my own devises, I would have blues playing most of the time, but it's too involving for customers. Currently we listen to Pop-Rock or NPR depending on who gains control of the system during the day. I turn if off or down when customers come in.
I went to too many rock concerts in my youth and am suffering from hearing loss due to it (Makes me concerned for the kids in the car with the mega-bass). I really can't have any background noise when I'm trying to converse.

When I could hear well I played classical.

[PEAVY]

We have XM radio.

Usually have it tuned into classical or Jazz, and sometimes we have it turned to Audio Visions....which after a while can sound like elevator music.

Depending on what they are playing I will aslo tune it on to folk country. Willie, Lyle or Nancy Griffith and I turn it up louder.

100 channels to listen to. But I miss not having access to Prairie Home Companion and NPR. Also really miss not being able to tune in KFAN out of Fredericksburg, TX the greatest radio station in TEXAS hands down.

[FramerDave]

It's going to be Thomas Dolby, the Bangles and the Eurythmics Ack! It's Eurythmics, plain and simple. NOT 'The" Eurythmics.

I wanted to marry Annie when I was about 14. Still love her.

[katman]

depends on the day and time of the day.Nora Jones, cowboy junkies, santana and the local progressive rnr, a bit of NPR.

[Less]

Hanes makes grey athletic socks that don't show the stains as easily as the white ones, and they go with every pair of blue jeans I own. I can see it now; a hot summer day and Ron's wearing cut-off shorts, his gray socks, and there's classical music playing in the background.
Ron is getting teary-eyed and Godzilla is starting to howl. Oh, I almost forgot, he is helping a woman with her deceased mother's needlepoint and she is starting to cry too. Just then, a woman with two babies in a stroller come in and join the chorus.

[Merlin Framers]

This is an interesting thread.. Over here we play some classical, but mostly big show themes..
HOWEVER.. two years ago, we had a visit from some 'jobs worth' who asked if we had a Public broadcast licence.. Because we had a radio on in the shop. When I said. NO it is for my own entertainment. He politely said Well the customers might not think so...
I politely said.. If you do not like it then the door is that way..

[Ron Eggers]

John, over here those visits usually come from someone wanting to sell Musak or something similar.

I'll go work at Burger King before I play Musak in my store.

Unfortunatley, they probably play Musak at Burger King.

[Bill Henry-]

Commercial Classical Radio. Not too bad if you can put up with the hemorrhoid cream commercials

I'm too lazy to change the CD's, so I end up listening to Carmena Burana 12 times/day.

A question for John GCF(UK): What's a 'job's worth'? Do you have to have a license to listen to a radio?

[Elaine]

We support our local Blues bands and play their music as well as sell their CD's. In the summer, during our Curbstone Festival (sidewalk sale), I have organized a blues jam in the gazebo in the park by the lake. We have a bar across the street from the gazebo that attracts the "Harley" groups in the summer and some of these bands also play in that bar. We are the only place to sell the CD's within a 30 mile radius, so its good for sales. They promote us for the sales location and we promote them in ads, store display, etc. It is rare that someone complains about the type of music, just the volume!! :D

It works for us and we have about 15 CD's that get switched out and feature a different one every couple of days

works for me!

Elaine

[glitch]

the stores that play radio and local bands don't have to worry about this, but there is an organization (can't remember the name) that travels retail stores....if what you are listening to is on their list, and you are not selling that cd within a certain range of your speakers they will fine you heavily, so beware

when i worked at a certain print chain owned by hadley house, they clamped down on us.... :(

i was also wondering what some of the framers who have work areas away from the storefront listen to as they frame (but that is probably more appropriate for warped)

[PurplePerson]

We do not play any music in our show room, but I think that Classical music would appeal to upscale people. These are the people we cater to.

There is a good radio station from Ohio State University that we get. We would do well to have it in the show room. However, I don't see music there in the near future.

[Sharonx]

In the front of the store I play classical and themes from good movies. Love the theme from Dances with Wolves. Back in my work room where customers cannot hear, I listen to conservative talk radio.

[glitch]

in the storefront they listen to norah jones or radio

currently in my framing area i blast the clash to pep me up, jack johnson to mellow me out, or shoegazer music when i am normal brandon

[FramerBill]

I've "ripped" about 2000 songs from my large collection of CDs. They reside on my computer and I play them using a software product called Media Jukebox" and then through the store stereo in both the front and the back.
The music is randomly chosen and makes for a real nice eclectic mix. However sometimes I need to rush in and quickly hit the NEXT button when someting like Jimi Hendrix's version of "Star Spangled banner come on. As you can imagine, some music is good for those late night parties and some not so good for selling.

[Ron Eggers]

Originally posted by FramerDave:
Ack! It's Eurythmics, plain and simple. NOT 'The" Eurythmics.

I wanted to marry Annie when I was about 14. Still love her. Well I wish someone would've mention the 'The' thing about ten years ago so I could've avoided this embarassing faux pax.

I've always had a thing for Stevie Nicks.

[jvandy57]

Classical Mix on 5 disk CD changer, I have had more than one customer compliment us on the Music.

Also no Vocals.

[Jill]

We Play O'Neill Brothers Music. It is all piano music. We also sell the CD's, that seems to be working for us, quite well. They have a nice selection of styles from romantic to Irish and big bands.

Jill Hennes
Omro Gallery
Omro WI

[Meghan MacMillan]

I follow the aforementioned all instrumental rule about 90 percent of the time. I try to keep a good assortment on hand. Right now it's all piano. Some days it's all acoustic guitar, others all chamber music.

I will keep the same 3 discs playing on repeat for days or even weeks on end. It is my hope that no customer will ever be in the store long enough to notice and it doesn't bother me.

[CharlesL]

Nora Jones has a sweet voice, but everything she does is in the same key. That being said, if it was left up to me, I'd play "It's Not My Cross To Bear", by the Allman Brothers over and over and over and.....

[tnframer408]

sasturday it's the Met opera. Weekdays, Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt Merle Haggard, Sammy Keshaw, Dylan's Bootleg and/or Basement tapes scattered with Miles, Herbie Hancock etc etc. For kicks,we'll do Blue Man Group, Moby mixed with concerti of various sorts

[Merlin Framers]

Bill Henry
A 'Jobsworth' is somebody who has read all the rules and tries to apply them at the same time as trying to impress you with his knowledge. Unfortunately without applying or using that God given gift of common sense.
No you do not have to have a licence to listen to a radio over here. However, about 5 years ago a couple of the larger chain stores that played the local radio, were given a warning, as they were effectively 're-broadcasting' live radio to the general public over their speaker system.. That is why you will either hear Radio "Large Chain Store" or nothing.
Hey, it just makes you wonder about all the 'boogey boxes' blasting extremely loud music (??) as they cruise the high streets trying to impress..

[jframe]

You may be thinking of ASCAP, glitch.

No matter what we have in the player, it usually includes a couple of Danny Wright CD's. It's piano music. He's made a bunch of CD's so you can get classical, show tunes, or whatever you are in the mood for. It is nice to not have lyrics sometimes.

[Pat Murphey]

Jo,

Good choice - Danny Wright IS good in a store. We played his music for years before switching to Beegie Adair.

Pat :D

[CharlesL]

Has anyone heard of Emile Pandolfi? He's a pianist, as well, and lives in Greenville, SC.
Again, no lyrics, just piano. Some of his CD's have some orchestra behind him, and some are just piano music. He does every kinda music, from Disney themes, to 30'~40's to Chopin.
Most folks really like it. Mama has every CD he's ever done, and corresponds regularly with him. Personally, due to her playing his music almost non-stop, I've heard plenty of his stuff.
He IS really good, though, and people always want to know who 'that guy' is. For those of you who play piano, he probably has as good a right hand as I've heard. Did a stint as a concert pianist.

Anyone interested, email me through the board. I could possibly be persuaded to burn a copy of some of his stuff. Sort of a 'Pandolfi Sampler'.

Oh, and Jo, there's BMI, as well. (I guess they're still in the business....)

[ 06-01-2003, 10:20 AM: Message edited by: CharlesL ]

[printmaker]

Originally posted by Rozmataz:
...if I walk into a store with blasting heavy metal - I know there is NOTHING in that store for... Here's my 2 Canadian cents worth:

You've hit the nail on the head, Roz. Some people love heavy metal (blechhh :( ).

I try not to play music simply because I like it. Not everyone shares my tastes (that's for sure tongue.gif !).

For example, as much as I like classical music I find, unless the selections are chosen extremely carefully, it can be a bit too soothing, too relaxing. I want my customers comfortable and alert, not soothed and relaxed!

My preference, for business, is towards instrumental music with an up-beat Latin flair. There is a lot of this kind of music around. Most is, musically, quite simplistic to the point of being boring if one actually listens to it :rolleyes: ...

The point is, this type of music is good, energizing background sound. And background music should not be "listened to". The customers should be aware of the music, but their attention should not averted towards it.

Just my opinion, for what it's worth (2 cents, perhaps?). ;)

- printmaker -

[MAX]

I simply picked the local FM station that most closely matched our target demographic. Seems to work very well.

[Walt C]

So what I'm hearing (no pun intended) here is that the Ozzie Osborne Cd's should be left at home. GM selling Cadillacs with Led Zepplin tunes not whithstanding????

I've tried the classical, but it as much as I enjoy it in the evening with a glass of wine, it was putting me to sleep her in teh shop.

The all piano vairety sounds like a good idea.

:eek:

[Jason Maranto]

I have a cd burner so I have a rotating mix which I periodically change out... mostly stuff from my personal collection -- I like heavy metal and the like for myself but using a slight bit of common sense told me that wasn't going to fly in the workplace.

Common artists in my mixes:

Counting Crows
Everything but the Girl
Sade
Sting and/or the Police

Basically adult contemporary, which is a pretty big catagory... calm but not too boring.


Jason.

[glitch]

i assume that is everything but the girl pre-1994?

fascination from the acoustic album is my favorite

[Jason Maranto]

Amplified Heart is the best album for this purpose but there are real nuggets on the later CD's like "single" and "downhill racer" which are just great.

My favorite on Amplifed Heart is "rollercoaster".

Jason.

[glitch]

Wow....that's kind of brave, and no longer what i would consider "adult contemporary"

amplified heart was there crossover from their jazzy a.c. (70's-80's) music to their new electronic style....Temperamental is almost all electronic

ok, so enough about that....i'm just a really big ebtg fan

[Bob Shirk MCPF]

We like movie soundtracks for backround music in our shop. Try the soundtracks from "Sleepless in Seattle" and "You've Got Mail" for starters.

[Jason Maranto]

Originally posted by glitch:
Wow....that's kind of brave, and no longer what i would consider "adult contemporary"Well, it's alot less brave than playing TOOL on the sales floor ;)

Seriously, I want to have a certain amount of hipness to my selection -- everything about my gallery represents my taste... and ultimately taste is primarily what a framer brings to the table.


Jason.

[Mark]

I put a Sat dish on the roof for their music channels.

Our favorite channel is "Singers and Standards"


Mark

[tnframer408]

Kid Rock's latest if you really want to get rid of a customer. That's the one that has "The Picture" with Cheryl Crowe and trust me that's the only one on there with language everyone can listen to, altho obscentities don't bother me. What comes out of my mouth in a single day I should eat soap, not just wash my mouth out with it.

ORIGINAL POTTYMOUTH.

anyway, we listen to Kid Rock after hours as well as Snoop Dogg


Sat it's opera or Rachmaninoff (sp?) or Mahler, all my faves.

IF customers don't like it, let 'em walk. Who needs people that don't appreciate classical? :eek: :eek:

[Bogframe]

In the front of the shop, it's the "oldies" station...'50s-'70s tunes. In the back, it's the Hard Rock/Hair Metal station for me! Nothing like a good screamin' guitar and singer to keep me going when it's crunch time! :D :cool: