Music isn’t just entertainment — it’s a proven business tool. Across retail, hospitality, offices, gyms, salons, and waiting rooms, research consistently shows that the right music can boost sales, improve customer experience, increase staff productivity, and strengthen brand loyalty. Whether it’s keeping shoppers browsing longer, motivating employees, or creating a calm atmosphere for clients, music delivers measurable results.
From a 42% increase in dwell time in shops to higher staff productivity in offices and improved retention in gyms and salons, the data speaks for itself: businesses that use music strategically see clear benefits. Below, you’ll find statistics and case studies that show how music directly impacts performance across different industries.
HOW DOES MUSIC HELP MY BUSINESS?
Retail
- Customers spend 42% longer in stores when music is played.
- The right soundtrack can boost sales by 37%.
References
- Soundtrack Your Brand (2017) The impact of music in stores: A Gant case study. Stockholm: Soundtrack Your Brand.
- Soundtrack Your Brand (2017) What your store sounds like matters: The impact of brand-fit music. Stockholm: Soundtrack Your Brand.
Offices
- 77% of businesses report higher staff productivity with music.
- Music improves mood, motivation and workplace culture.
References
- Buchanan, J. (2019) From productivity to connection: The power of music at work. Toronto: JB Music Therapy.
- Silicon Republic (2016) How does music impact your productivity at work? Dublin: Silicon Republic.
- TotalJobs (2016) The sound of productivity: Analysing attitudes towards music listening in the workplace. London: TotalJobs.
Waiting Rooms
- 81% of people say music creates a calmer, more welcoming space.
- Music reduces perceived waiting time, making clients feel valued.
References
- Daykin, N., De Viggiani, N., Moriarty, Y. and Pilkington, P. (2022) ‘Music in waiting rooms: A scoping review of evidence’, Frontiers in Psychology, 13, p. 875503.
- MedHumLab (2018) Music for waiting rooms: Chelsea and Westminster Hospital project. Manchester: University of Manchester.
Salons & Gyms
- Music enhances atmosphere, making clients more likely to return.
- A 5% increase in member retention can translate to 25%–95% more profit.
References
- North, A.C. and Hargreaves, D.J. (1998) ‘The effect of music on atmosphere and purchase intentions in a cafeteria’, Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 28(24), pp. 2254–2273.
- SXM Business (2019) The benefits of playing music in your salon or spa. New York: SiriusXM for Business.
- Smart Health Clubs (2025) How Group Exercise Programs Can Help Gym Membership Retention. Smart Health Clubs Blog.
Gyms & Fitness
- Music can increase endurance and power output by up to 15%.
- Music improves client satisfaction and retention in group classes.
- Music builds a sense of community and motivates clients to return.
References
- Karageorghis, C.I. and Priest, D.L. (2012) ‘Music in the exercise domain: a review and synthesis’, International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 5(1), pp. 44–66.
- Liverpool John Moores University (2012) The effect of music tempo on exercise performance. Liverpool: LJMU.
- PerfectGym (2021) The importance of music in group classes: How it impacts customer satisfaction and retention. Warsaw: PerfectGym.
- Rockbot (2020) How music can help your gym build a community. Oakland, CA: Rockbot.
Salons & Spas
- Music enhances atmosphere, making clients more likely to return.
- Music creates a relaxing premium experience, encouraging repeat bookings.
- With music, 81% of staff worked faster and 88% more accurately, improving customer service.
References
- North, A.C. and Hargreaves, D.J. (1998) ‘The effect of music on atmosphere and purchase intentions in a cafeteria’, Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 28(24), pp. 2254–2273.
- SXM Business (2019) The benefits of playing music in your salon or spa. New York: SiriusXM for Business.