When it comes to welcoming customers and encouraging sales, the way a store sounds is just as important as the way it looks. You don’t need a stack of studies (and there have been a few on the topic) to prove that theory — walk into any trendy store and there’s a very good chance you will hear music playing in the background while customers are shopping.

The challenge with music is that many retailers may be tempted to turn on a radio or CD player and think that is all they will ever need, but the rules are a little more complicated than that. While you may own your business, it is still considered a public setting in the eyes of the law, and you will need the permission of copyright holders if you perform or authorize the performance of any copyright-protected music (such as the music on your radio) in a public setting.

This Retailer’s Guide will look at the ways in which music can play a role in increasing sales, how to determine the right kind of music for your business, and what retailers need to know about the legalities of playing music in a public forum.

In this guide, you'll learn about:

• Creating atmosphere
• Using music to influence how customers shop
• Radio risks
• Sounds systems
• How do you know what to play?
• Complying with copyrights
• Other tips for sounding sweet