Why the Automatic is a Perfect Fit for Small Businesses

Music is huge in shaping how we experience a space. Unlike any other medium, it decorates the sound of a room where most others can only adorn the visual side of the space, playing a massive role in how we interpret what somebody does and even guiding somebody's actions.

With the right tech, music can also serve as a set piece in its own right.

And no, I'm not talking streaming Spotify off an iPad in the corner; I'm talking a real vinyl record player, which can easily become a defining, albeit subtle, feature in any room. 

This can be a real X-factor for small business owners, whether you're in retail, service, or any industry where the room's aesthetics affect people's perception of the space and their enjoyment of being in said space.

However, vinyl players aren't only great for B2C businesses mentioned above; they are just as crucial for small business owners in tech-driven fields and B2B office environments. Music can bring people together, lock in their focus, and get everyone on the same wavelength, especially during collaborative projects or deep work.

In this article, we'll discuss the perfect record player for small business owners and outline why one specific model stands out as the best option, no matter the type of business you're operating. And at the end, we'll share our seven favorite records to play, which can steer an experience and keep people engaged, no matter the environment.

So let's get started.

Why The Automatic Is The Best Turntable For Small Business Owners

The Automatic Turntable, Victrola's latest product, has dropped. It addresses all of the challenges modern vinyl enthusiasts face.

The first and most prominent feature is the automatic restart, which, when the record finishes, brings the magnetic arm back to the top of the playhead and starts the record from the beginning, providing a seamless listening experience of whatever you're listening and wherever you're listening to it.

But that's not the only tech that makes this product stand out.

Another key feature is its Bluetooth technology, which allows it to connect wirelessly to speakers so you can enjoy vinyl-quality sound anywhere in your home. Whether you're using vinyl headphones while walking around the house or connecting to a Bluetooth speaker system that's wired throughout your home, including your back patio, this feature creates a more immersive listening experience.

The automatic turntable has a sleek, modern aesthetic and an approachable price point.

Priced at under $200, it's a steal for any small business owner. Regardless of how tight your margins might be, it offers a fantastic set piece and ambiance creator for your business, sweetening the experience for both guests and employees as they soak in the music of your space.

Repeat Functionality

Regardless of the type of business you're running, one of the biggest immersion-breaking, flow-interrupting issues for both employees and customers is when the music comes to a grinding halt.

In small businesses, music often serves as a background sound that helps people go about their day, whether they consciously notice it or not. While it's fine if the music blends into the background and goes more or less unnoticed by your patrons, people notice when it stops and the record "grinds to a halt."

And this disruption doesn't just affect your guests' experience in your space; it can also break employees' deep work and focus.

The automatic repeat feature of the automatic turntable ensures that the music keeps playing, maintaining that focused and lively vibe in your business without any risk of interruptions by the dreaded dead record.

This feature can be a defining quality of your turntable and, by extension, your entire space, especially when the music curation is on point (and we'll help with that more at the end of this article).

Modern Tech

Age-old problems don't always require age-old solutions, and the Automatic Turntable's modern tech sets it apart from its competition.

Beyond the automatic repeat feature, the most modern and standout technology is its Bluetooth functionality.

This is particularly important for small business owners because hardwiring a sound system can be a massive pain. The last thing you want to strategize is how to design your room around the music and all the accompanying wires; the music should fit the space, not the other way around!

The Automatic Turntable's Bluetooth capability allows for an even spread of sound throughout your entire business, ensuring you don't have to blast music in one corner just to make it audible across the whole room.

Unassuming Yet Stylish Aesthetic

Modern culture has a tendency toward loud, bright, and attention-grabbing aesthetics, but it's refreshing to see a shift back to sleek and minimal designs with the Automatic Turntable.

With its sleek black casing, it's unassuming yet stylish in its minimalist aesthetic, it doesn't rely on bright colors or neon signage to make a statement; instead, it serves as a sleek, sophisticated set piece that blends seamlessly into any small business space.

This turntable won't command attention from your patrons or employees, but it will reward those who notice it and appreciate its understated elegance.

It's a perfect blend of form and function that complements the environment without commanding it.

The Automatic Is Affordable

More often than not, running a small business means operating on thin margins, so most small business owners only have so much capital to spend on entertainment or ambiance for their space. While a more expensive, high-end sound system and vinyl player might be hard to justify—especially when premium options cost $500 or more—the automatic turntable is an affordable set piece.

Priced at just below $200, it offers accessibility and versatility, connecting almost all modern sound systems.

We might be biased, but we believe the Automatic Turntable punches far above its weight class and price point. This makes it an easy and valuable addition to your small business, enhancing the environment without breaking the bank.

Top 7 Records to Play In Your Small Business

Lorde: Pure Heroine

While Lorde hasn't released new music in a while, Pure Heroine remains one of her most impactful works from the 2010s. The production is near perfect, with a hazy, lo-fi, synthetic vibe that complements Lorde's voice without overpowering it.

It's a softer album from start to finish, making it an ideal backdrop for any small business. It's perfect for fostering concentration and casual conversation alike. The music isn't too commanding, yet it's timeless and iconic in its own right, making it a versatile choice for creating a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.

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Billie Eilish: Happier Than Ever

Billie Eilish's Happier Than Ever is a more emotional and raw album, with often stripped-back productions. Like the Lorde album mentioned above, it's manageable. It's ethereal and dreamy, with a raw, magical quality that helps you concentrate and stay present.

Whether for conversations at work or simple chats with friends and family at a restaurant or cafe, this album provides the perfect backdrop for your small business.

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Carole King: Tapestry

Carole King's Tapestry spent 15 weeks at number one and won four Grammys, clearly showing that it passes the "vibe check" with flying colors.

The intimate and close album features some of Carole King's most famous songs. It's packed with hits and is a must-listen for any fan of her music. Many consider it life-changing, as it's comfortable, like an auditory hug.

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Joni Mitchell: Blue

Joni Mitchell's Blue is as surreal as it is visceral.

It's hard to pin down exactly, but it has that perfect quality of keeping you locked in, awake, and engaged without drawing too much attention to itself. It's visceral in the most subtle sense of the word. It's such a good record, and we play it all the time in the office.

It's no surprise that Rolling Stone once called it one of the best albums of all time, recorded by a female artist, and one of the best albums of all time.

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Blood Orange: Cupid Deluxe

Dev Hynes, as Blood Orange, leans heavily into a classic 80's R&B sound on Cupid Deluxe, fully committing to the aesthetic with sleek production, guest features, and the occasional saxophone. While the album's consistent style can sometimes make the tracks blend, its ability to maintain variety through its eclectic mix of voices rather than the music itself impresses.

The album explores familiar R&B themes like love and relationship struggles. However, Hynes adds depth with a focus on more intricate emotional nuances.

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J Dilla: Donuts

Donuts by J Dilla could be an excellent choice for playing in your small business due to its intricate yet unobtrusive soundscapes. The album's blend of fluid drums and meticulously crafted samples creates an engaging atmosphere without being overpowering, making it ideal for background music.

Its unique, progressive beats can enhance the ambiance of your space, offering a modern and sophisticated vibe that appeals to a wide audience. The diversity of sounds and styles across the tracks keeps the mood dynamic and fresh, making it suitable for various settings, whether running a café, retail shop, or creative workspace.

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The Postal Service: Everything Will Change

Everything Will Change showcases The Postal Service's evolution into a dynamic live act, transforming their classic tracks from Give Up into energetic, crowd-pleasing performances. This live album, recorded during their reunion tour, breathes new life into beloved songs like "Such Great Heights" and "The District Sleeps Alone," making them feel fresh and engaging.

This album is a great choice for small businesses because it offers a perfect mix of nostalgia and energy, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers engaged. 

The blend of upbeat rhythms and familiar tunes helps set a positive tone, making the space feel vibrant and inviting without overwhelming the environment.

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Is An Automatic Turntable Worth It?

At the end of the day, the real question is: is an automatic record player worth it? Is it worth your hard-earned money to invest in something that can be a set piece in your small business, your life, or even your daily workflow? Vinyl isn’t like streaming from Spotify; it’s a tactile experience, something you interact with in a different way. So, deciding to invest in one isn’t as simple as subscribing to a streaming service.

Is this record player worth it? 

Absolutely. 

Its affordability makes it accessible to a lot of people, and its ease of use only adds to that. The automatic playback and repeat functions cater perfectly to what modern vinyl lovers need, addressing all the common issues people face today. 

If you’re thinking about getting into vinyl and want something that can also be a great centerpiece in your small business, there’s no better entry point than the Victrola Automatic Turntable.