There are few music genres more divisive than Christmas music. Some people love hearing jingling bells and snow-related lyrics while shopping, while others find the tunes tolerable at best and beyond grating at worst.

For many, Christmas music sparks positive memories — and happy customers can increase your transaction averages and revenue. Opinions vary, however, especially among retail workers who have to hear festive tunes throughout December — and, if they're unlucky, November, too. Indeed, this former retail worker has less-than-fond memories of serving customers to an endlessly looping soundtrack of crooning carolers, plunky piano and sleigh bells.

So how do retail workers and shoppers feel about festive music, and — even more critical to your bottom line — how does it affect your customers' in-store experience? Read on for the figures behind holiday music in retail.

How do customers feel about Christmas music in retail settings?

Shoppers' opinions vary when it comes to Christmas music in businesses, depending largely on where they're based.

Stores in the United Kingdom and the United States are probably the biggest offenders when it comes to blaring Christmas songs during the winter months, though the tunes aren't without their fans. Soundtrack's 2017 report found that U.S. customers are more positive about holiday music than those in the U.K.: Just over half of Americans said they liked it, compared to 43% of Britons. But not everyone's on board. In fact, in the U.K., a quarter of shoppers admitted to actively disliking holiday music — so if you're a British business, it's worth thinking carefully about your festive playlists.

Bottom line, it's important to find the right balance. Although playing too much Christmas music can drive people away — or at the least make them less likely to stick around — a well-curated playlist could make a dark winter more cheerful and lift shoppers' spirits.

What do retail staff think of Christmas music?

According to Soundtrack's survey, a quarter of retail workers say that too much holiday music makes them feel "less festive." Even worse, a whole 16% said Christmas music negatively impacts their work environment. So, clearly, excessive use can have adverse effects.

And remember: Shoppers who don't like Christmas music can leave a store if it gets on their nerves. Staff don't have a choice. While a small amount of jingling and crooning can get people in the holiday mood, it's a good idea to use these seasonal tunes sparingly to give staff a break from enforced merriment.

But why don't people like Christmas music?

When surveyed, 43% of shoppers gave 'too repetitive' as the reason they don't enjoy Christmas music. And no wonder: If you limit yourself to a purely festive soundtrack from U.S. Thanksgiving onward, the same few songs will end up playing on repeat. Holiday songs also share many similar elements, such as nostalgic lyrics and sleigh bells. Hearing those same sounds over and over for two months or more is bound to get monotonous.

In addition, some people may not enjoy being hit over the head with Christmas cheer every year. This is certainly the case for people who have bad memories of this supposedly joyful period, are feeling lonely or have recently lost someone. While a sprinkle of Christmas music is fitting for winter, it's kindest to avoid overwhelming your staff and customers with it.

How can I play Christmas music in my business without annoying people?

So now that you know what people don't like about Christmas music, here's how to get it right:

• Match your music to your audience. Keep it on brand. For example, if you usually play instrumental background music in your business, stick to instrumental covers of Christmas songs.

• Seek out unique Christmas music. Sorry to break it to you, but your customers have probably already heard "All I Want for Christmas Is You." Try some new or lesser-known tunes that channel the festive mood but also sound fresh.

• Mix in non-Christmas songs. Adjust your playlist to cater to both the people who love holiday music and those who don't.

• Don't play Christmas music when the store is closed. When your staff have been listening to seasonal songs for hours, the last thing they want to hear while they stock the shelves and sweep the aisles is more sleigh bells.

And don't forget – Christmas isn't the only time to curate a seasonal playlist. Soundtrack also has a holiday section where you can browse through different playlists for different times of year, including New Year's, Valentine's Day, Pride Month and more. Rotating playlists by season is a great way to refresh them.

For even more tips on using Christmas music effectively in your business, check out our dedicated article. When used thoughtfully, holiday music can create familiarity, a glow of nostalgia and some true holiday excitement. Keep these tips in mind and your retail business will be set for Christmas.