The other day, I was rudely reminded of how invasive I find the "In Store Audio Network" to be as I tried to concentrate on my shopping. The managers tell me that they are instructed from headquarters to play it. I don't know about the volume. But I'd hate to have to tell them to turn it down each and every time I go shopping.

I have several options. One is to just go to stores that don't play music, or pay it in such a way that it is relatively unobtrusive. Trader Joe's is such. Safeway and Giant are unmovable at this time.

Another is to go full on nuclear, and send out letters to the management of the offending stores, and make posts like this everywhere it is acceptable, maybe even lobby for laws.

Another approach is to get a set of headphones that eliminates or sufficiently blocks the sound to the point where it is no longer affecting my thinking process. This would obviously cost $$. I don't know if it is worth it, partly because I don't even know if the right headset exists. But it would be good guerilla theater.

So, does anyone have any helpful suggestions? I would definitely appreciate recommendations for an effective headset. Or just weigh in with your own sentiments. Don't bother calling me nuts. I already know that. But the sound really does make it challenging for me to concentrate on what I am doing there which is, after all, to spend money!

Thanks!
And may Krampus be gentle with you.
Saul