Retailers do their best to encourage shoppers to visit their establishments, they also want them to leave.
In the early 1980’s 7-Eleven stores began playing classical as you entered the store and removing window ledges to discourage storefront loitering. It appears that the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi and Wolfgang Amadeus have a particularly repellent effect on those who would linger after making a purchase, or maybe not purchasing anything at all. (Among living artists, it appears Barry Manilow has the same effect).
In fairness, a use that these composers never intended or contemplated should not keep you from enjoying or discovering, if you haven’t already, the works of these great Baroque masters They no doubt thought they were offering beauty to the world and certainly they succeeded, but might understandably be aghast at some of the venues where their masterpieces are being shared centuries later (The article doesn’t say how Mr. Manilow, still among us, feels about the uses to which his songs are being put. I wonder if 7-Eleven is paying him a royalty ).
A recent article from “The Hustle” explains “Why 7-Eleven plays classical music outside its stores” and explores other aspects of what is called “hostile” or “defensive” architecture. Check it out if you want some creative cost-effective options for controlling foot-traffic at your establishments.
