Turn the music up!
Music can help shoppers get into the mood to spend some money.
But it’s not just for the customers. Music can also describe exactly what it’s like to work in retail. From endless checkout lines to slow restocking days, bring on the beats.
Discover 22 essential songs that should be on every retailer’s playlists. The laidback classics, pulsing bangers, and current frothy hits — there’s something to satisfy every craving.
The essential songs
9 to 5 - Dolly Parton: A sweet toe-tapper about working hard to reach your dreams. Let a national treasure tell you how it is.
Night Fever - Bee Gees: Every day and night could feel like Saturday night. This disco classic harkens back to seemingly easier times.
Dreams - Fleetwood Mac: A somber yet breezy ballad about going separate ways. Sometimes the shoe doesn’t fit, and that’s ok too.
I Want to Break Free - Queen: Put this on five minutes before closing.
I Was Made for Loving You - KISS:You’ll wish your dress code could accommodate the iconic KISS makeup. This classic rock banger makes anyone feel invincible.
Take a Chance on Me - ABBA:The Swedish sensation is beckoning to their crush, but the same could be said to a customer by a dress she’s considering. “If you change your mind, I’m the first in line!”
Lovely Day - Bill Withers: The soulful classic that assures us nothing can go wrong. Bring the sun to your store so your staff and customers can glow.
Control - Janet Jackson:If the store starts to feel a little hectic, assume full control with the help of this 80’s dance anthem. You’re in control.
Bidi Bidi Bom Bom - Selena: Customers and staff will casually sway their hips once Selena turns your store into a beach party in Puerto Vallarta.
Independent Women - Destiny’s Child: Destiny’s Child championed women, but financial independence looks great on everyone. Nothing feels quite like buying something with your own hard-earned money.
1999 - Prince: Everything looks better through purple-colored glasses. Take the store back to the ’90s via the ’80s.
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger - Daft Punk: The legendary electronic duo retired this year. Let their memory live on through this infectious song about improving in every way.
That’s What I Like - Bruno Mars: He likes the finer things in life. Treat your shoppers to this ode to luxury. “You deserve it baby you deserve it all!”
Blinding Lights - The Weeknd:This one sounds like racing towards the finish line with neon skyscrapers at your side. When you need that extra push.
Good Days - SZA: Perhaps a more modern, meditative answer to Bill Wither’s Lovely Day. This one sounds more like a day of peaceful, solo self-care.
Lovesick Girls - Blackpink:You don’t have to be a K-Pop fan to instantly feel the bright energy busting through every line. Put this on for an instant caffeine boost.
Levitating - Dua Lipa:Disco made quite the comeback in 2020. Your staff will float and fly through their shift.
Say So - Doja Cat:Perhaps the single catchiest song of the last year, this Doja Cat hit will melt your troubles into a puddle of strawberry ice cream.
Feels Like Summer - Childish Gambino:Slow things down with this summery reflection on the state of our planet. This one sounds good all year along.
10% - Kaytranada:The Grammy winner for best dance song in 2020 sounds so cool and confident that customers will just have to stay a little longer.
Rain on Me - Lady Gaga feat Ariana Grande:Two princesses of pop embrace their joy through their lived experiences. You got this!
Juice - Lizzo:Are you dealing with frustrated customers, long lines, and a big mess to sort through? Let Lizzo remind you that you’re perfect and capable of anything by just being you.
Put it on shuffle
Let your music set the mood and inspire your team to do their best. Your song choices can create the perfect atmosphere for customers to fall in love with your brand. Turn on some tunes, and cut down on some of the retail burnout with more tips from this employee engagement checklist.
