Half (49.9%) think it is just as relaxing now compared to pre-lockdown.
Retail sales in the UK rose for the fourth consecutive month, with August volume of goods sold in stores and online 4% higher than pre-lockdown in February, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows*.
The recent tightening of measures by the government may make things tougher in the autumn, but for now shoppers in the UK are enjoying a retail experience that many find just as relaxing/if not more so, compared to pre-lockdown.
Startle’s research reveals that 49.9% think the retail experience is just as relaxing/more relaxing post-lockdown compared to pre-lockdown, with 50.1% disagreeing it is more relaxing now.
Furthermore, 63.1% of those who think it is just as relaxing now identify as regular shoppers (prior to lockdown). See graph 1.
However, half of those who think it is just as relaxing or more so now (50.3%) intend to shop less frequently than before lockdown, see graph 2.
While nearly two thirds of those who strongly disagree it is more relaxing now are female (62.6%).
What can be done to improve the in-store retail experience? One suggestion is tailoring the music played in-store, as the tempo, genre and volume can directly influence a consumer’s sensory perception and buying behaviour. For example, a study by Milliman concluded that playing slower tempo music can result in higher daily profits as consumers spend more time browsing**.
"It's clear that consumer behaviours have changed, and with tighter restrictions coming our way over winter it's unlikely we'll be back to how things were before lockdown anytime soon. With consumers indicating that they'll be visiting non-essential retail stores less frequently than before, the opportunity for retailers is to make the most of these visits, create memorable customer experiences and build as much brand affinity as possible."
Surveys carried out July and August 2020. Sample sizes (n) >1000 people, UK Nat. Rep. with 95% confidence level & margin of error of +/- 5%.
*Financial Times article: UK Retail sales rise for fourth consecutive month. 18th September 2020.
**Milliman, The Influence of Background Music on the Behavior of Restaurant Patrons, 1986.
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Find out more about how we can use music and tech to help you achieve your goals.
Ready to amplify your brand? Get in touch to find out how we can use music and tech to help you achieve your goals.
Elevate your brand with strategic music solutions, designed to build an impactful audio experience.
Elevate your brand with strategic visual solutions, from digital signage to branded TV, designed to build an impactful experience.
Proactive account management, free player replacements, end-to-end support… our Relentless Support™ team are just that - relentless.
Find out more about how we can use music and tech to help you achieve your goals.
Find out more about how we can use music and tech to help you achieve your goals.
A recent survey of over 15,000 consumers placed ‘experience’ at the heart of retail, with 81% of respondents saying they’d pay more for it.
With all 3 major music streaming services increasing their prices this year, where in the world are they cheapest?
Whatever their strategy, retailers need to be smart and willing to adapt in order for their stores to survive. The best of the best will demonstrate how providing customers with memorable experiences in their stores can equate to long-term loyalty. With a willingness to adapt to digital trends, the right use of technology, and confidence in the role of their physical stores, retailer brands remain in good stead for 2019.
Get in touch to speak to our team who are ready to help you amplify your brand. We’d love to hear from you.
Startle Music Ltd
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Startle c/o I.D. Online Ltd
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