Why Music Matters in a Gelato Shop
Music influences customer behavior, mood, and even purchasing decisions. Known as auditory or sonic marketing, this strategy is used across the food and retail sectors to enhance atmosphere and reinforce brand identity.
Research shows that the right background music can:
- Improve the overall customer experience
- Encourage people to stay longer
- Increase perceived product value
- Boost sales and customer satisfaction
For example:
- Soft, low-tempo music creates a sense of elegance and precision—ideal for premium artisanal gelaterias.
- Louder, fast-paced music might work in high-energy or youth-focused shops but can also feel chaotic if overused.
Choosing the Right Music for Your Brand
Before you hit “play,” ask yourself:
- Who is my target customer? (Families, tourists, professionals?)
- What brand image do I want to convey? (Chic, playful, traditional?)
- What is the rhythm of my business? (Busy foot traffic? Seasonal slowdowns?)
Pro tips for music selection:
- Curate playlists for different times of day (e.g., upbeat for afternoon rush, mellow for evening)
- Match the music style to your gelato shop’s theme (e.g., jazz for a vintage look, tropical for exotic flavors)
- Rotate tracks regularly to keep the atmosphere fresh
You can also explore licensed music streaming platforms made for commercial environments. Many allow you to set the mood with genre filters, scheduling tools, and pre-cleared tracks.
Legal Considerations: Can You Play Any Music?
Here’s where many small business owners make a mistake: just because you own a CD or subscribe to Spotify, doesn’t mean you can play it in your shop legally.
In most countries, public music performance rights are required when you broadcast music in a commercial space. These are typically managed by Performance Rights Organizations (PROs).
Depending on your country, these may include:
Country | Licensing Body |
|---|
USA | ASCAP, BMI, SESAC |
UK | PRS for Music + PPL |
Canada | SOCAN + Re:Sound |
Australia | APRA AMCOS + OneMusic Australia |
EU countries | National societies under GESAC |
Italy | SIAE + SCF |
Germany | GEMA |
What you typically need to pay for:
- Performing rights – for the music composition (lyrics, melody)
- Neighboring rights – for the sound recording (as owned by labels)
Alternatives: Royalty-Free and Licensed Platforms
If you're looking to avoid complicated licensing fees, you can:
- Use royalty-free music specifically licensed for commercial use
- Subscribe to business-friendly platforms like Soundtrack Your Brand, Cloud Cover Music, or Mood Media, which include the necessary licenses
Make sure to check:
- Whether the license covers all types of music played
- If your country’s PRO accepts that platform’s blanket coverage
Don’t Forget: Music Zones Matter
Regulations often apply only to areas accessible to customers. Music played in private staff rooms or kitchens usually doesn’t require a license—but confirm this with local laws.
Key Takeaways for Gelato Shop Owners
- Music is a strategic tool that shapes customer mood and perception.
- Choose tracks that align with your brand and enhance the atmosphere.
- Always comply with local copyright laws—fines can be high for unauthorized use.
- Explore commercial music solutions to simplify licensing and enjoy peace of mind.
By turning up the volume on your sound strategy, you’re not just entertaining guests—you’re enhancing their entire gelato experience.