The Roadmap

Milestones of the Music Impact Study
Start
2022
Sept-Dec 2022
Comprehensive Literature study

We have analyzed a large number of scientifically relevant and highly ranked publications that examined the connection between background music and sales. As a result the literature study summarizes and evaluates the main findings about this topic.
Our conclusion: almost all of the analyzed studies reported a positive effect of background music on time spent at the Point of Sale or on the purchase decision. But hardly any current study confirms a positive correlation between background music and sales figures and states concrete values.

DEC 2022 - oct 2023
Online surveys
We conducted comprehensive online surveys for gastronomers and retailers on different platforms to gain an insight into their experiences and approaches regarding background music inside their businesses. We wanted to understand how and why the choice of background music is made and much more besides that. The analysis and evaluation of findings are conducted with regard to scientific aspects.
sept 2023 - ongoing
Interviews with scientists and experts
Let's talk music! The best insights usually are gained by direct conversation, don't they? That's why we talk to renowned international scientists about the effects of background music.
However, the practical perspective is also of high importance: That's why we also interview various practitioners who are professionals in the field of music: e.g. sound agencies and music providers for in-store solutions. 
sept 2023 - April 2024
Empirical study at the PoS of retailers

The empirical field study is the "heart" of our Music Impact Study. What’s special and the challenge of our study was to collect the data directly at the point of sale (PoS). To measure the impact of background music on sales, participating businesses had to turn off the music for a period of time to measure the impact. We recruited 130 retailers to participate in our study. By working with an international team of scientists and a technical service provider who verified the use of music, it was ensured that all scientific criteria were met.

sept - nov 2024
Empirical Study at the PoS of gastronomers

After the successful measurements in the retail sector, the empirical study in the catering industry was continued under the same conditions of participation. 100 gastronomy businesses nationwide took part in the empirical field study at the PoS. The entire process was again monitored and accompanied by our team of scientists to ensure that all scientific criteria were met.

dec 2024 - jan 2025
Evaluation of the data from the empirical study in gastronomy
The data analysts are evaluating the data we have obtained from the empirical field study in gastronomy. This includes data cleaning, data filtering, evaluations according to statistical methods and criteria and analysis of the results.