The Effects of Retail Ambient Music and Noise on Food Purchases: An Abstract

Dipayan Biswas, Kaisa Lund, Courtney Szocs

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Ambient sound, which includes both ambient music and noise, is present in nearly all retail stores and restaurants. Yet, there is great variation in the volume of this ambient sound. Specifically, some restaurants have very high levels of sound and others have very low levels of sound. This research examines how the volume of ambient music and noise influences consumers’ food choices. A series of field and laboratory studies show that low (vs. high)-volume ambient music and noise lead to healthier food choices. Process evidence suggests that the effects of ambient sound on food choices are driven by greater relaxation induced with low-volume ambient sound. The findings of this research suggest that restaurant, cafeteria, and supermarket managers wanting to nudge healthier food choices might simply need to adjust the volume on ambient sound systems.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationDevelopments in Marketing Science
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the Academy of Marketing Science
PublisherSpringer Nature
Pages83
Number of pages1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018

Publication series

NameDevelopments in Marketing Science: Proceedings of the Academy of Marketing Science
ISSN (Print)2363-6165
ISSN (Electronic)2363-6173

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Marketing
  • Strategy and Management

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