I've never been able to understand the in-store music phenomenon. But then again, the only store I know of that would play anything I'd listen to myself is Hot Topic. And funny enough, I refuse to set foot in one of them. Anyway.

I used to find it bizarre when I'd go into stores like Victoria's Secret(shut up; not for me. I just couldn't think of anyplace else that does it) and see them selling CDs of their branded background noise. Then I went to work for Williams-Sonoma's call center. It was a regular occurence for customers to call up asking for a specific edition of the music and being really upset when it wasn't available anymore. Still can't say I understand.

Back to Hot Topic: Actually, I can't think of any other company that's more based on music, if you think about it. I wonder if they handle their music needs themselves or source it out to someone like Muzak.

SU said...

I wonder if they handle their music needs themselves

actually they do; a couple of friends of mine were hired by the corporate offices here in the LA area for just that purpose. I'm not entirely clear on the process, but they screen potential employees to find people who have their finger on the pulse of "underground" music -- an ironic designation when you consider how mainstream and homogenized it's all become because of such companies.

Did they talk about the optimimum volume based on the customer demographics?

I imagine I'm simply too old for most of the mall stores based on the volumes of music in them. ;o)

>Did they talk about the optimimum volume?

Nope. But you are right, sometimes it is quite annoying. Another client of them is Old Navy, which is a really loud store.

I see CD's for sale at many stores now, although I'm not sure if this is specifically what is being played within the store. Gap, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Pottery Barn and Starbucks have all had branded discs for sale at the registers. I just can't see myself ever buying them. I don't often want my home to sound like a major corporate chain.

>Did they talk about the optimimum volume?

I live across the street from an Abercrombie & Fitch, and can hear their "jams" over traffic.

>Did they talk about the optimimum volume?

GUESS stores are really loud too. I wonder what the purpose of loud music is.

an interesting question that came up today during a discussion of last night's presentation was whether or not muzak produces a different range of music for its gap outlets in other countries, based on those cultures. in other words, would they integrate a popular german or japanese song into their mix or would gap stick within their own 'americanized' brand of sound? i would imagine that american pop, jazz, electronica, etc. would translate well within any culture; however, would that music/brand experience feel alienating for someone in japan, for instance, shopping at a gap store in osaka? just a thought.

>whether or not muzak produces a different range of music for its gap outlets in other countries, based on those cultures.

I truly hope so. Otherwise it would be like McDonald's (as we were talking on the poster thread) which stands out like a sore thumb in any place outside of the US. Muzak would be crazy not to embrace those differences. It would show a total lack of respect, and common sense, to the people of any country.

Hot Topic stores work closely with bands and labels and consequently they get thousands of promo CDs. These are distributed to stores as "play if you want to" and employees are also encouraged to bring in CDs. Wander in on a weekend and they are playing SAFER stuff. Wander in on a Monday night before close and they are rocking out to THEIR OWN stuff. My friend works there.

the name is alvin collis.

but who is counting?

rumor is he has been given a "window seat".

>the name is alvin collis.

Dang. You are right. I'll fix.

rebranding can do lots, but there are the naysayers...who can't help but think of negative brand connotation when you hear it, say it: "m-eww-zack".

the beauty of words is that if you get the right spokesperson, you'll buy anything.

Armin - where is the "more" in page? Can't find it!

"Click on “More” to get the whole story."

Thanks!

Rod

Rod, disregard that "click on more" line. This entry was way back when some of the usability issues were pretty screwed. If you were looking at this, you had the whole story.

whether or not muzak produces a different range of music for its gap outlets in other countries, based on those cultures.

Working for the gap Inc company for many years and part of the opening teams for all gap stores in Japan I can tell you that they play the same music there that they play here. Gap Japan is selling American clothing there not Japanese clothing. They are selling the American lifestyle in Japan. I don't think they are trying to alienate anyone they are just trying to sell their brand.Oh and muzak does not choose the music a seperate department in the San Francisco HQ makes it. Muzak just mass produces it for all Gap Inc. brands.