Sound systems for retail shops and supermarkets
A shop or supermarket sound system does two things: it plays background music at a level shoppers hardly notice, and it carries announcements clearly when staff need it. Long aisles, tall shelving and busy noise make this a coverage problem, not a volume problem.
What retail spaces need from a sound system
Many small sources of sound work better than a few loud ones. Ceiling speakers placed along each aisle give an even level from the entrance to the back. A zoned amplifier lets the shop floor, the cash counters and the storeroom each be controlled separately, and an announcement microphone with a priority mute makes sure staff are heard over the music. For wide stores and long cable runs, a 100V line system keeps wiring simple.
Recommended Audible products
- Speakers
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The Y-717, Y-712 frameless and LTH-701 ceiling speakers for aisles and open floors, and the WS Y-740, RF-501 and RF-601 wall speakers for perimeter walls. The LTH-701 has power taps of 6W, 10W and 15W on a 100V line.
Ceiling speakers - Amplifiers
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The USB-80A for a small shop, the A-2120H or PA-260 for a larger store, and the SPA-60/150W for a compact Class D setup.
PA amplifiers
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Y-717 Y-717 5-inch Ceiling Speaker
Ceiling speakers · A discreet 5-inch ceiling speaker
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Y-712 Y-712 6-inch Frameless Ceiling Speaker
Ceiling speakers · A frameless ceiling speaker with a magnetic grille
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LTH-701 LTH-701 6.5-inch Ceiling Speaker
Ceiling speakers · A 6.5-inch speaker for 100V lines
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WS Y-740 WS Y-740 Wall Speaker, 60W
Wall speakers · An adjustable white wall speaker, 60W peak
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RF-501 RF-501 5.25-inch Wall Speaker
Wall speakers · A compact 5.25-inch speaker for 70V and 100V lines
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RF-601 RF-601 6.5-inch Wall Speaker
Wall speakers · A 6.5-inch speaker for long 70V and 100V runs
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USB-80A USB-80A 80W 2-Zone Amplifier
PA amplifiers · 80W two-zone amplifier with Bluetooth and FM
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A-2120H / A-2240H A-2120H / A-2240H Two-Zone PA Amplifiers
PA amplifiers · Two-zone amplifiers in 120W and 240W
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PA-260 / PA-380 PA-260 / PA-380 Two-Zone Mixing Amplifiers
PA amplifiers · 260W or 380W, two zones, four mics
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SPA-60/150W SPA-60/150W Class D Amplifier
PA amplifiers · Compact Class D amplifier with battery backup input
How to plan it
Sketch the floor plan, mark the aisles and count the speakers you need for even coverage. Then add up the power taps and choose an amplifier with spare capacity. A guide on 100V line systems explains how.
Common questions
How many speakers does a supermarket need?
It depends on ceiling height and layout. As a rough start, space ceiling speakers about every three to four metres along the aisle, then adjust after a listening test.
Can I use the same amplifier for music and announcements?
Yes. A PA amplifier with microphone inputs and priority mute handles both.