Nothing sets the tone for the in-store media experience quite like the music playing overhead. Some music selections make customers feel fabulous and chic, while others inspire feelings of ease and relaxation. Savvy brands know that music can play a powerful role in enhancing the customer experience beyond creating the right vibes. Discover how Walmart, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, and Lucky Strike utilize Rockbot to take advantage of the overhead music experience in unique ways that support their overarching brand strategies.
Walmart: Live Radio Streaming & Artist Takeovers
Walmart utilizes Rockbot to stream their radio station – Walmart Radio – at all Walmarts, Sam Clubs, and distribution centers across the country. The radio station occasionally invites touring artists passing through Arkansas to host a Walmart & Sam’s Club Radio Takeover.
(Photo credit: @walmartworld)
Jason Mraz hosted an hour-long show on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Mraz plugged new singles from his latest album and highlighted some of his favorite influential tracks and artists - including George Harrison and Lindsey Stirling. Embedded throughout the show were custom radio tags about the Mraz takeover. The next takeover will be hosted by Jelly Roll. Along with his own tracks - his show will spotlight some of his top artists - featuring Bob Dylan, Erich Church, and Jim Croce.
(Photo Credit: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams)
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: Custom Playlists & Audio Messaging
This summer, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams rolled out their new Road Trip Snacks Collection. In partnership with artist Brandi Cyrus - the company has integrated its Rockbot-powered, in-store music experience with the promotional campaign. Jeni’s asked Cyrus to curate a 29-song, custom playlist to stream in stores daily from 12 pm - 2 pm and 8 pm - 10 pm. Embedded in the playlist are different audio-messaging promos recorded by Cyrus herself, advertising the Road Trip Snacks Collection and guiding users to find the custom playlist on Spotify as well. Cyrus featured some of her favorite summertime, road trip songs - including tracks from Kacey Musgraves, HAIM, and Dermot Kennedy.
“I think it's a really fun compliment to our campaign. Our shops have transformed their space to take [customers] on the open road… and inspire [them] with snacks that should be enjoyed along the way,” Rachel Markovich, Shops Experience Director at Jeni’s, shared about the Rockbot-enabled playlist in-stores.
(Photo credit: @luckystrikech)
Lucky Strike: Curated Playlists Featuring Local Touring Artists
Lucky Strike’s in-store music corresponds with touring musicians performing at venues near their brick-and-mortar locations. Most recently, Rockbot curators built a Bruce Springsteen-inspired list for a Chicago-based Lucky Strike - ahead of his August 9 and 11 takeover of Wrigley Field. The playlist consists of classic Springsteen tracks, as well as songs from his contemporaries - including Foreigner, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Bon Jovi. Other Rockbot-curated, Lucky Strike concert playlists center on Taylor Swift in Denver and Dead & Co. in San Francisco this summer.
In a world where customer experiences are constantly evolving, the significance of in-store music cannot be overstated. It is an unspoken element that shapes the atmosphere, emotions, and connection between customers and brands. As displayed by Walmart, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, and Lucky Strike, the utilization of Rockbot has elevated the overhead music experience into a strategic engagement tool for artist takeovers, curated soundtracks, audio messaging, and localized programming. These innovative applications of Rockbot exemplify music as a dynamic medium capable of crafting unique narratives and forging deeper connections in the ever-evolving world of retail and entertainment.
Interested in how Rockbot can enhance your in-store media experience? Request a free consultation today.
About the Author
Khushi Ramlogun is an Assistant Music Curator at Rockbot. She is based in New York City. Khushi came to Rockbot with a background in music marketing, A&R, sync licensing and on-air broadcast. She frequently attends festivals and local concerts - this year that includes SXSW on behalf of Rockbot. Khushi is passionate about keeping Rockbot clients up-to-date on what’s available on the platform, as well as discovering and importing new music selections into the system. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
