How Volcom Uses Music for Skate Shops

Welcome to our YouTube interview series, where we delve into real-world examples of how streaming music for business can enhance the customer experience.

We’re expanding the reach of these interviews by delving deeper on the blog and finishing off with some pro tips.

Today, we’re spotlighting skate shops and how the right music can transform the retail environment.

Music for Skate Shops

We sat down with Kurt Midness, the Global Marketing Director at Volcom. As the “music guy” for this iconic brand, Kurt oversees all music-related aspects, from live events and custom content to in-store vibes and even hold music.

Kurt shared insights into the challenges of evolving a heritage brand like Volcom while staying connected to the audience. Balancing the brand experience with music that resonates as tastes change is no easy feat.

Music is an extremely important brand tool for Volcom, ensuring that the time customers spend in-store is enhanced by a cohesive experience. The goal is to make shoppers feel comfortable and enjoy their time shopping within Volcom retail stores.

How Important is Location Control for Volcom?

The short answer: very important.

So why did Volcom choose SoundMachine? Kurt was impressed with our eclectic range of music and our account reps ability to work with them to make the perfect playlist.

For instance, their stores in Hawaii had a request for local music, specifically reggae with Hawaiian artists. We enabled them to create custom playlists tailored to this genre, which wouldn’t necessarily work in other locations. This made Hawaiian shoppers feel welcome and ensure the brand experience aligns perfectly with customer expectations.

Kurt emphasized that ambiance is crucial in their stores, you can’t simply play any employee’s Spotify playlist and hope for the best.

Our platform offers the flexibility to choose stations, import custom playlists, and mix content – helping customers discover new music while ensuring compliance with licensing requirements like BMI or ASCAP.

Pro Tips for Streaming Music at Your Business

As you can see, enhancing your skate shop environment with the right music can significantly improve the customer experience.

Here are some pro tips to keep in mind:

  • Understand Your Audience: Tailor your playlists to match the preferences of your customers and employees.
  • Align with Your Brand: Make sure the music you play reflects your brand’s identity and enhances the overall experience.
  • Leverage Playlists: Stations are great, but custom imported playlists help keep the music fresh and engaging.
  • Stay Compliant: Ensure all your music is properly licensed to avoid legal issues.
  • Use SoundMachine: SoundMachine offers the flexibility and control needed to create the perfect ambiance for your business.

By following these tips, you can create a memorable and enjoyable shopping experience that keeps customers coming back again and again.

At SoundMachine, we’re here to help you every step of the way, providing the tools you need to make music work for your skate shop. After all, we made music for business easy.

Get Started with SoundMachine

Want to see how SoundMachine can transform your shop?

Start your risk-free 30-day trial today!