The other night I heard what must be the most depressing song about masturbation ever, The Carpenters' "Solitaire", while looking for cheap sunglasses in Rite-Aid. Which got me to wondering why grocery stores play sad songs.
Is it just me? Are they actually playing a mix of music but I'm only picking up on the sadder songs? Even if that's the case, that's still some sad songs in there. Are people influenced to buy more when sad? Especially jarring is the difference between the song and the interruption by the cheery person reading this week's ad. Is the intent then to make me feel bad, until the happy special on beef jerky rescues me from the doldrums?
Personally, if I'm sad, I'm unlikely to purchase more; I'll probably buy less. And I'll purposely avoid a grocery store if I know they'll be playing sad and cheesy songs.