In retail, AI is usually seen as a visual tool — powering smart shelves or digital screens.. But a smarter transformation is happening through sound. In-store audio has long been an afterthought, rarely evolving beyond basic playlists. 

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For decades, in-store audio has been treated like wallpaper: flat, forgettable, and mostly ignored. And when it comes to innovation, let’s be honest: a lot of audio setups today don’t look all that different from the CD changers of the early 2000s. Retailers may have upgraded their playlist software, and now retailers are shifting to more dynamic environments.

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AI Is Giving Sound a Brain

Across industries, we’re seeing a shift in how audio is being used — and understood. With the rise of AI, sound is no longer just a passive medium. From personalized voice assistants to adaptive music streaming, audio is becoming smarter, more contextual, and increasingly integrated with real-time data.

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At QSIC, we’re bringing that same intelligence to the in-store environment. Traditionally, retail audio has been treated as a fixed, one-size-fits-all backdrop. We're changing that by turning it into a responsive, data-informed channel that can adapt in real time.

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Our platform taps into variables like store traffic, inventory levels, sales trends, and weather to determine what should be heard — and when. Combined with our generative AI audio tool, which can produce hundreds of creative variations in seconds, we’re making it possible to AB test and deliver hyper-targeted messages right at the point of purchase  — something that traditionally has only ever been done on digital platforms.

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“Being able to deliver everything (with in-store audio) that you're used to in digital media — but in a physical retail environment — for us, it’s a game changer.”
— Mario Mijares, VP of Marketing, Loyalty and Monetization Platforms, 7-Eleven

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Why Retailers Are Paying Attention

Retail media is exploding — but much of the energy is focused on screens. While digital signage gets the budget, audio remains an overlooked powerhouse.

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That’s a missed opportunity.

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AI-powered in-store audio can drive sales, influence shopper mood, and deliver retail media impressions at a fraction of the cost of digital displays.

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Retailers like 7-Eleven are already harnessing the power of QSIC’s intelligent audio platform — and the impact is clear. They've seen a 14% sales lift and 13% unit lift in key categories such as snacks and cookies, along with over 4.2 million ad plays delivered. It’s a compelling example of how dynamic, in-store audio can drive real ROI.

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A New Category of Retail Media

Intelligent retail audio isn’t just a smarter background music system — it’s an entirely new category. And that means new opportunities for both retailers and CPG brands to engage shoppers in the moment, at the point of decision.

By solving long-standing operational headaches like volume fluctuations, clunky scheduling, and disconnected messaging, we’re also unlocking new performance marketing opportunities. Think retail media, but ambient. Real-time. Personalized. And measurable.

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Why Now?

AI audio isn't a futuristic concept — it's already here. What’s different now is that it’s being re-invented to be both measurable and dynamic. It draws from its past forms to create something smarter and more actionable today. Brands that have recognized this shift early have gained a competitive edge over those who still see it as a mere “nice-to-have.” As retail media networks grow and screen real estate becomes saturated, audio emerges as a strong media buy when stacked up against other channels. 

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The Takeaway

If you're leading retail media strategy or CPG marketing and haven't considered AI for audio, you're already behind. Retailers are seeing measurable results with little setup costs.

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The next era of in-store experience isn’t louder. It’s smarter. And it’s already playing in the aisles.

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Ready to hear what intelligence sounds like? Let’s talk.

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