I don't actually know how they get their playlist, but I expect it's chosen in part by professional DJs, and in part by analyzing coffee sales. That is, while

I don't actually know how they get their playlist, but I expect it's chosen in part by professional DJs, and in part by analyzing coffee sales. That is, while I may enjoy hearing Red Right Hand that doesn't mean I bought a coffee in response. However the dreary playlists of ClearChannel FM radio was the direct result of determining what music produced the most ad revenue. In the long run though I stopped listening to the radio; at home I listen to recorded music or else I listen to whatever a wifi spot is playing. I would be very interested to know whether all the starbucks locations play the same songs, or whether they're individually tailored to each location. I speculate that it's something in between, that is the locations have a choice of one of several different playlists.