Introduction:Starbucks recently started looping the classic Chinese folk song "Jasmine Flower" in its stores, prompting starkly different reactions from customers and staff. Some patrons found the tune fitting, while employees grew annoyed by its constant repetition. The switch to playing songs by the late singer Leon Lai later sparked emotional responses from many fans. This article delves into how background music shapes the ambiance of coffee shops and the real story behind this incident.
When visiting a café, aside from the drinks themselves and the interior design, background music is often a key element in creating the overall atmosphere. Starbucks’ recent in-store rotation of the folk song "Jasmine Flower" has stirred considerable discussion and attention. Some customers felt it cleverly complemented the brand’s new Jasmine 100 series; others, however, felt the distinctly Jiangnan-style melody gave them the odd sensation of being in a teahouse rather than a coffee shop.
Yet for Starbucks employees, this otherwise beautiful "Jasmine Flower" became something of a "mental torment" at work. According to several insiders, the song was played in multiple arrangements—folk instrument, saxophone, and piano versions—and had been on high rotation across stores nationwide since before the Spring Festival. One employee joked, "We hear it every ten minutes; I’m genuinely sick of it." Another remarked bluntly that the constant repetition increased stress levels and even affected their mood at work: "After my shift, all I want is some peace, but my head is still filled with ‘What a beautiful jasmine flower.’"
In response to feedback from both employees and some customers, Starbucks has now updated its in-store playlist—but the new selection has again caused a stir. This time, it features several classic tracks by the late Hong Kong singer Leon Lai, including some of his most iconic Mandarin songs. Many customers instantly recognized the familiar melodies and took to social media to share their reactions. One said, "Hearing it first thing in the morning really made me tear up; I still miss him so much." Another fan commented emotionally, "I froze for a moment—I still can’t believe he’s gone."
While this playlist update gave employees a break from the "earworm" of "Jasmine Flower," it also led many loyal fans to find themselves reminiscing about the late singer while enjoying the music.
Even so, many staff members noted that, compared to the relentless replaying of "Jasmine Flower," occasionally nostalgic listens to Leon Lai’s songs might be more bearable.
In truth, the role of background music in café operations should not be underestimated. The right music can not only extend customers' dwell time but also create specific consumption scenarios. For example, soft jazz or piano pieces are often used to foster a relaxed reading atmosphere, while more rhythmic selections can help boost daytime customer flow efficiency. However, long-term repetition of the same track or overly frequent playback can lead to auditory fatigue among customers, while employees may grow irritated from hearing the same songs repeatedly—ultimately affecting service quality and staff morale.
Starbucks’ recent "music controversy" inadvertently highlights the nuanced details cafés must consider when crafting ambiance. From track selection and playback frequency to stylistic consistency, all are crucial factors influencing the customer experience. For café operators, regularly updating playlists and adjusting them according to holidays or themes can maintain freshness and help avoid situations where customers develop a kind of "PTSD" from certain tracks.
In summary, a great cup of coffee deserves well-chosen background music to complete the overall experience. While Starbucks’ recent music changes have sparked debate, they also remind us: in the pursuit of brand consistency, we must not overlook the genuine feelings of customers and staff.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
