– In a thrift store, music creates the whole

At Stas og Fjas, the products are not sorted by shape and color. This means that customers have to look a little further, and then it is extra important that the background music is right.

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 / 22/08/2023 / Kristian Dugstad

Text: Audun Fegran Kopperud • Photographer: Tom Haga • The story is taken from musicamplifier.no

– Yesterday the sound on my iPad clicked and it went completely silent. A store without music was just completely wrong, says Maria Lea Botnehagen.

In the middle of downtown Stavanger is the second-hand store Stas og Fjas. In June it was two years since Maria and her friend Irene Meling opened their doors in Langgata.

They run the small business on a hobby basis, and are open three afternoons a week and one morning on the weekend.

“A friend of mine said that we have already become a fascinating institution,” says Maria.

The two friends have many regular customers who come by on treasure hunts, and more than seventy sellers who are affiliated with the store. Stas and Fjas rent out stands so that people can display and sell their goods in the store premises.

Important with nostalgic music

Stas and Fjas are known for having a very conscious relationship with music, and the notes that roll out of the system are not at all random.

“In a thrift store, music creates the whole. There is a lot of nostalgia and memories, and we try to reflect that,” says Maria.

Playing music that people know is very important to the whole Maria is talking about. She also thinks it is important that the songwriters get paid for their work.

– Now that almost all music is played via streaming services, it is even more important to make sure that those who make the music get paid. I work in culture myself and know how much the TONO kroner means to young talents. Paying the TONO license is the least we can do, says Maria.

– The Top 50 list had never worked for us

Stas and Fjas play music in many different genres – from Aretha Franklin and Madonna to Billie Eilish. The regular playlist is over seven hours long, and no new playlist has been necessary so far.

“We will never get through it in one day,” says Maria.

She says that many people comment that the music is good, and are surprised by how well it suits people of all ages.

– Suddenly there are 14-year-olds in the rehearsal room singing on Toto. The Top 50 list had never worked for us.

Maria and Irene don't have a musical background, but both have always been interested in music. Their tastes are a bit different, however. While Maria gravitates towards rock bands like The Cure, Radiohead and Massive Attack, Irene is more of the funk type and listens to bands like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Salt-n-Pepa and Bruno Mars. The friends complement each other musically, which is why the playlist is the way it is.

I think the music affects sales

Maria is certain that the music affects sales at the thrift store. She is convinced that they would have sold less if it had been completely silent, or if the music had not been adapted to the customers.

At Stas og Fjas, the items are not sorted by shape or color. This helps customers spend a little extra time in the store.

“We would prefer them to relax, take their time and feel the good vibes.” Our customers shouldn't feel like they have to leave quickly because the store is quiet,” says Maria.