A New York convenience stores had problems with teens shoplifting inside their store, dealing drugs and fighting outside. Cops were called on a daily basis and the store was often closed down during serious incidents. Most of their issues landed when kids were either on their way to school or hanging out afterwards, and things tuned insane late at night.
The store wanted teens’ business, but not the fights and drug-dealing that sometimes accompany late-night loitering.
We noticed that the store kept the radio on a top 40 station most of the time. So, We recommended that store owners play classic big band music instead. They were to play the new genre of music not only inside the store, but on the outside common areas as well. Hearing the music created a new psychological mindset to the youth, the teenagers were seen to be lest hostile and aggressive.
We also had the security guard that was hired change into street clothes so it was less of an aggressive look and environment as well as a few other changes top the outside of the store to make it more visible to staff.
The music did not affect sales to teenagers, just influenced them to play well with others.
*Note: Music has a profound effect on us and studies have shown that different music will put us in a variety of moods, anywhere from wanting to make out with that certain loved one to having the desire to rob a bank. Music can not force us to do something, however it can create the mood for social change or behavior.
There is something to be said as well for the presence of authority. Although it is fairly controversial in our crazy times, Psychologists have shown that the Less intimidating show of force will make more people at ease and not defensive. Defensive people tend to fight and make bad decisions in public. By changing the appearance of the guard to be more of a father than a cop, the respect he got at his job increased tremendously.