Why Aldi Doesn't Use Music in Its Stores

Aldi shoppers know the experience is unlike any other grocery store in the U.S. The German retailer focuses on making sure its prices remain low for customers.

From offering mostly private-label products to charging a small fee for cart rentals, Aldi is always looking for ways to reduce costs and keep its prices competitive. You may have already noticed some unique features, such as shopping from boxes instead of neatly stacked shelves, or bagging your own groceries, but there are even subtler differences.

One of the most noticeable differences? Aldi doesn't play music in its stores. Unlike other grocers that fill their aisles with pop, rock, or easy-listening tunes, shopping at Aldi means enjoying the quiet. And there are a couple of key reasons for that.

Why Aldi Chooses Silence Over Sound

The primary reason Aldi avoids playing music is simple: they don’t want to pay for it. If Aldi had to cover the cost of constant music throughout the store, they’d need to increase their prices to make up for it.

One of Aldi's core goals is to help customers save both time and money. The store’s minimalist design, smaller size, and limited product variety reflect this. Aldi isn’t about pushing more options or brands—it’s about keeping things straightforward and affordable.

Aldi’s second reason is all about respect for its customers. When you shop there, the aim is to get in, grab what you need (maybe pick up a few Aldi Finds), and move on with your day. There's no time for distractions like your favorite song playing over the speakers.

That’s the opposite approach most grocery stores take. They intentionally play slower-tempo music because research shows it makes customers linger longer, which leads to more spending. The more time you spend in their aisles, the more likely you are to add extra items to your cart.

So here’s to Aldi for helping us keep our budgets in check. If there’s anything else they can do to lower prices, we’re all for it!