Kmart used festive background music in their stores, especially at Christmas time.
This was not the Muzak or “elevator music” known at the time, and it was not electronic.
Kmart used well-orchestrated music with fresh, interesting arrangements and acoustic instruments that you would expect to hear at a live concert.
The music was played throughout the store’s P.A. system using reel-to-reel tapes. You could see the tape players at the front service desk.
Some people have found these tapes and published them on YouTube,
There are a few announcements and commercials for Kmart on the tapes, but for the most part, there are hours of enjoyable music that kept shoppers happy.
This resulted in them staying in the stores longer and filling their shopping carts with more merchandise.
The serenity of Kmart’s background music would sometimes be interrupted by an announcement for a “Blue Light Special,” and the mayhem that would follow.
Enjoy the music.
Throwback Kmart Holiday Music Will Give You Pure Retail Nostalgia – Nerdist
Former Kmart Employee Uploads Classic In-store Music
For Keeps: 71. Kmart In-Store Music Tapes, Saved by Mark Davis
Leave a Reply