Xmas music in shops

[boredlass1]

The original psychological effects of the reasons behind playing Xmas music in shops - making people feel jolly, spending more time and money because they are feeling jolly have long gone.

Now it makes both customers and staff miserable. Customers sympathise with staff having to put up with the dirge of 30-40 songs on a loop. Then customers spend less time in shops and spend more online or via click n collect.

So why do retailers still play Christmas music when it’s bad for MH (as well as it’s awful such as Mud’s dreary one)

I worked at a supermarket and the music was playing when store was closed! Pulled out the tannoy mike as when that was used - it cut off the music.

I cannot listen to Christmas music now. Have to mute/skip tv esp adverts. Last year I rang a call centre and the hold music was Xmas! I couldn’t remember which company it was for.

Yet don’t have this issue with carols I love them

I am sure you do really important and vital work but still expect "fools" to serve you when you are feeling jolly and spending more

I go prepared this time of year, ear buds in and Spotify on so I do not have to hear it as it does my head in. I really feel for shop staff at this time of year, the music, the rude public, the crowded shops and then it all kicks off again as soon as Christmas is over with the bloody sales.

I know someone that used to work at Sainsbury's.
They are still haunted by Dominic the Donkey and the Christmas Hippopotamus song.

Yes, I do. Of course. 🙄

"Here's the thing: Christmas music does make more people buy more stuff. That's not necessarily because customers enjoy it (although obviously some people really do) but because it's a subconscious reminder that Christmas is approaching and they need to prepare, so they buy things."

Yes, we need reminding Christmas is coming because it's always such a surprise when it turns up every December without fail.

People especially young adults completely forget about Christmas then on Xmas Eve try to buy a gift card but the gift card system that activates gift cards (unsure if it’s one system for all retailers or each retailer has their own) goes down as overloaded with too
many gift cards being activated at once. Then kick off with the shop assistants.

Or say Christmas is ruined as couldn’t buy a turkey!

I worked in retail for years.

Absolutely loved the Christmas music, still do!

Didn't enjoy every other customer rolling their eyes at me and saying 'You must be sick of this music!' however.