Christmas is coming, and with it, the familiar soundtrack of sleigh bells, Mariah, and Michael Bublé.
You’ll soon be bombarded with the same festive favourites you heard last year while stockpiling on mince pies, scorched almonds, and chocolate Santas.
Every year, hundreds of new Christmas songs are released, often clever reworks of classics. The good news? There’s a built-in safety net against listener burnout, because by Boxing Day those tunes disappear for another nine months (yes, nine!). We actually heard of Christmas music playing in a supermarket this year on October 1st. Maybe that’s a tad early. Or maybe it works for that retailer. Does it boost sales? Possibly. There’s plenty of research suggesting that happy shoppers spend more. The holidays represent joy, connection, and celebration, so playing Christmas music holds a natural appeal for retailers.
It reminds shoppers of family gatherings, BBQs on the deck, jandals by the door, and that unmistakable feeling of a Kiwi summer. But here’s the catch: while some shoppers love Christmas music, others don’t. And in a store environment where customers can’t just “change the station”, balance is everything. Too much, too soon, and you risk fatigue. Too little, and you miss the emotional lift that festive music can bring. The magic lies in how you integrate it: a gradual build-up, mixing familiar favourites with modern interpretations, and weaving in everyday playlists that still feel warm and upbeat.
At BrandCast, we help retailers strike that balance. We understand the power of music to influence mood, flow, and dwell time, not just at Christmas but all year round. Because when the soundtrack feels right, everything else about the shopping experience just works.