Music for Supermarkets
Supermarkets playing recorded music publicly require a music licence from the relevant collecting society in their country. BPM recommendations vary by period: Standard hours: 60–80 BPM; Pre-closing / Rush hour: 95–115 BPM. Track Studios' AI catalog is not registered with any collecting society — venues using it are not billed for the included music.
BPM Recommendations
| Time Period | BPM Range | Genres | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard hours | 60–80 BPM | Easy Listening, Classic Pop, Instrumental, Soft Rock | Using Background Music to Affect the Behavior of Supermarket Shoppers (1982) |
| Pre-closing / Rush hour | 95–115 BPM | Upbeat Pop, Light Electronic | Slightly faster music encourages efficient shopping during busy periods without feeling rushed. |
Supporting Research
- Using Background Music to Affect the Behavior of Supermarket Shoppers (1982)
Slow-tempo background music (60 BPM) in supermarkets increased gross sales by 38.2% compared to fast-tempo music (94 BPM). Slow music increased customer dwell time and reduced perceived wait time.
- The Influence of In-Store Music on Wine Selections (1999)
Playing French accordion music in a wine store increased sales of French wines by 500% compared to German music conditions; German music increased sales of German wines by 600%. Total wine sales were not significantly different — but music directed purchasing behaviour without shoppers reporting awareness of the influence.
- Atmospheric Effects on Shopping Behavior: A Review of the Experimental Evidence (2000)
Comprehensive review of 23 atmospheric variables including music, confirming that background music affects sales volume, shopping duration, product evaluation, and store image perception. Slower tempo and lower volume music consistently produces more positive consumer outcomes in most retail and food service contexts.
- Setting the Tone with the Tune: A Meta-Analytic Review of the Effects of Background Music in Retail Settings (2006)
Meta-analysis of 32 studies on background music in retail: music consistently increased time in store (+5.3% average), spending per visit (+3.6% average), and satisfaction scores (+8.2% average). Effect size was larger when music tempo and genre were matched to the target customer segment.
- Arousal Hypothesis and the Effects of Music on Purchasing Behavior (1966)
Loud, fast music caused shoppers to spend less time in a supermarket than soft, slow music. Total sales were not significantly different, suggesting that faster music reduces browsing time without reducing purchase completion. First empirical study of music effects on retail consumer behavior.
Music Licensing for Supermarkets by Country
| Country | Collecting Societies | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sweden | STIM + SAMI | SEK Varies/year |
| Norway | TONO + Gramo | NOK Varies/year |
| Denmark | KODA + Gramex | DKK Varies/year |
| Finland | Teosto + Gramex | EUR Varies/year |
| Germany | GEMA + GVL | EUR Varies/year |
| Netherlands | Buma/Stemra + SENA | EUR Varies/year |
| Belgium | SABAM + PlayRight | EUR Varies/year |
| France | SACEM | EUR Varies/year |
| United Kingdom | PRS + PPL | GBP Varies/year |
| United States | ASCAP + BMI + SESAC + GMR + SoundExchange | USD Varies/year |
| Canada | SOCAN + Re:Sound | CAD Varies/year |
| Australia | APRA AMCOS + PPCA | AUD Varies/year |
Royalty-Free Music for Supermarkets
Track Studios provides business music that is not registered with any collecting society. Supermarkets using the included catalog are not invoiced by STIM, GEMA, PRS, ASCAP, or other PROs.
Start free trialFrequently Asked Questions
- Do supermarkets need a music licence?
- Yes. In most countries, playing recorded music in a supermarket is a public performance that requires a licence from the relevant collecting society — for example, GEMA in Germany, TheMusicLicence (PRS + PPL) in the UK, or ASCAP and BMI in the USA. Track Studios' AI catalog is not registered with any of these societies, so supermarkets using it are not invoiced for the included music.
- Can supermarkets use Spotify legally?
- No. Spotify's Terms of Service (§1.2) restrict use to "personal, non-commercial purposes." Using Spotify in a supermarket violates these terms and may also expose the business to claims from collecting societies for the underlying music rights. Spotify for Business was discontinued in 2019.
- What is the ideal BPM for supermarkets?
- BPM recommendations vary by time period. During standard hours, 60–80 BPM is recommended (genres: Easy Listening, Classic Pop). During pre-closing / rush hour, 95–115 BPM is recommended (genres: Upbeat Pop, Light Electronic).
- How can supermarkets avoid collecting society fees?
- Use music that is not registered with collecting societies. Track Studios uses an AI-generated catalog that is not registered with STIM, GEMA, PRS, ASCAP, BMI, or any other collecting society. Supermarkets using the included catalog are not invoiced by these organisations.
- What happens if a supermarket is caught playing music without a licence?
- The collecting society can issue a civil claim for back-fees (typically covering 2–3 years of unlicensed use), plus additional damages. In Germany, the Berlin fitness studio case resulted in €42,000 in damages. In the USA, statutory damages can reach $150,000 per infringed work.