Marks & Spencer Decide to Remove Instore Music. Why?

Pipe Down. When it goes quiet, what do you hear?

In-store music has a branding role, yes – but there’s something else being hidden by the playlists…

So, National Treasure Marks & Spencer is in the news again, this time it’s with in-store music – or rather a decision to revert to no music in clothing and home store areas (M&S food courts have never had music).

According to The Daily Telegraph: “The move is thought to be designed to please Marks and Spencer’s ageing customer base. “

In fact, for years, before 2006, M&S was viewed by some non-music fans like an oasis of “no-music”, so perhaps, that could explain why the recent decision was made?

But The Telegraph then goes on: “It follows concerted efforts by the brand to reduce the average age of its customers by attracting a younger clientele, such as hiring fashion icon and model, Alexa Chung, to design a summer fashion range.“

A paradox - the generational problem?

That doesn’t add up, does it?? This latest story seems to highlight a confused positioning – a paradox. In essence, this is where retailers can have a particular generational problem. Like, a Church or a Golf Club which has a certain respectable image, needs people to belong and stay, but it needs new, younger people, with fresh perspectives, to join too. What do you do?

An M&S spokeswoman seems to say all the right things, this time in The Guardian: “We’re focused on putting the customer at the heart of everything we do. This decision is the result of extensive research and feedback from our customers and colleagues.” (Press Association)

But surely the above mixed-message begs the question: If you’re trying to reduce the average age of your customer, is simply switching off the music for “Mrs M&S” really the best answer?

Another quote from The Guardian: “M&S first introduced in-store music in 2006 and is one of many businesses that have sparked anger from shoppers for their use of repetitive playlists.”(Press Association)

“Repetitive playlists”? Aha!

Comments

Do I Need Automatic Revolving Doors?

Doors – they are the first thing that people see and in one way or another set an impression about an entire building or facility. Deciding whether to depart from the traditional manual doors and upgrade into advanced automatic and revolving doors can somehow spark debates over its benefits and drawbacks. Will they require more or bigger space? Will they help ease the flow of traffic? Are these automatic and revolving doors energy efficient given that they are power driven? Installing automatic and revolving doors largely depends on different factors including the availability of space, traffic flow, compliance to AODA or Americans with Disabilities Act standards as well as energy efficiency. Why Are There Revolving Doors? Here are some of the benefits of installing automatic and revolving doors in your facility: Enhances Aesthetic Value First impression lasts. Modern and stylish doors create positive impre...

What Are the Different Types of Door Lock?

What Are The Different Types of Door Lock? If you’re looking for the perfect security solution for your home, there are many different types of door locks to look out for. At Best Brothers Group, we sell door locks of two main types: mortice locks and rim locks. Every one of our BBG door locks is accredited by Secured by Design, the official Police flagship initiative combining the principles of “designing out crime” with physical security. If you’re looking to improve home security, which could help you save money on home insurance, it’s important to get the right locks fitted. To find out what locks would best suit your property; we’re experts on providing security recommendations. If you’d like to learn more about locks, read on. What is the difference between a mortice lock and a rim lock? Whether a lock is described as a mortice lock or a rim lock depends on how it is mounted to your door and frame. What is a mortice lock? A mortice lock is one that ...

Guide to Demolition

Michael Holmes looks at the implications of building a new home on a previously developed site. An increasing number of self-build plots are what are known as ‘knock-downs’: occupied by an existing dwelling that is, for one reason or another, not worth restoring or extending and so lends itself to demolition and replacement. The existing house might be poorly designed or positioned, too small for the size and value of the land it stands on, or simply beyond economic repair or improvement — its fate sealed by the fact that a new dwelling benefits from 0% VAT whilst renovation and extension work is usually rated at 20%. Cost The cost of demolishing a house ranges from $9,000-$14,000 for a small 80-120m2 detached property, up to $20,000-$25,000 for a more substantial property of 200-250m2. But costs will be mitigated if there are materials with salvage value. A demolition contractor will list the value of any salvage items and offset this against the quote for demolition ...

Search This Blog