As any music fan will testify, listening to a particular style or piece of music can alter moods. Whilst music is typically enjoyed for leisure purposes, retail business owners are also aware of how the atmosphere within their stores can influence their customers' spending habits. Research has shown that the music in retail environments can have a huge impact on the amount of time people spend browsing, and consequently how much money they end up spending.

Music for shops obviously varies depending on the type of establishment and the nature of the clientèle. For example, music shops will usually play the latest popular releases very loudly, whereas bookshops tend to play relaxing music at a lower volume to enable their customers to read and browse books. A retail business owner must have a good understanding of the types of customers who frequent their stores if they are to choose the correct types of music to be played.

It should not be underestimated how important a business decision this is. Correctly chosen music for retail stores can result in customers having a pleasurable shopping experience. This will not only encourage them to spend more time in the shop, but will in many cases convince them to become repeat customers. Conversely, if a customer is offended by the music which is being played in a particular shop they will most likely never give that retailer any business.

In this way it can be seen that choosing the right music for shops can help to establish and grow a retail brand. If a shop becomes known for regularly providing an enjoyable ambience it will undoubtedly result in increased footfall. It is then simply a matter of converting those extra potential customers into sales in order to increase profits and grow the business. When music in retail is tailored towards a shop's brand it can prove to be an extremely successful combination.

Some retail business owners may take the decision to have no music playing in their shops at all, however market research suggests that a massive majority of consumers prefer to be in a retail environment where music is being played. It therefore seems logical that in order for a business owner to make a shopping experience as enjoyable as possible for their customers they will play music in retail stores whenever they can.

A decent sound system combined with a large selection of carefully chosen tracks is all that is required to create a professional, enjoyable retail ambience. Music in retail is such an important element of a shop's success that any business owner should ensure that it is done correctly. Any investment they make in providing the correct music for retail stores will ultimately be repaid in increased revenue.

Audio Sushi's famous Club night every Saturday night:

Where: The Dogstar Bixton,  389 Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8LQ Tel: 0207 733 7515

When: Saturdays 'til late (click here for full listings)

What: Disastronaut and guest DJs from around the world

September’s new releases are both bountiful and brilliant.  No matter what your taste in music we guarantee there’s a tune for you.  Fall in love with Benjamin Francis Leftwhich’s stark confessionals, or dance to the beat of 2People (2011 rework) and relive those clubbing days.  Listen up!

A raw, psychedelic third record, and the sequel to 2009's "Radio Wars", the recording of "The Loudest Engine" saw Howling Bells, the Australian-formed, London-based four piece comprising singer/ guitarist Juanita Stein and her brother Joel (lead guitarist), drummer Glenn Moule, and bassist Brendan Picchio – forge a sonic union with Nevada's expansive surroundings and Las Vegas's street-soiled vibe.

Says Stein of the album, “There's a singular sound which is more folk and rock than our last two albums, but it's interpreted in a modern sense. It wasn't a conscious effort to make a '70s tinged record. It was a very natural progression.

"The album shows that we're 21st century kids making a modern psychedelic record. [It] is our grown up record. The first was about that great initial leap, the second was us exploring different waters. This one is us, all having met at one place, at one time. I think this record will change people's perspectives of the band."

The first track from Beruit's next album, The Rip Tide.  The same distinictive Beruit sound but more accessable than past singles.  A chilling on the beach tune.

Great electro pop track from M83's forthcoming album and you can download the "Midnight City" for free by clicking here.

A terrific interview with Amy and her dad about their love of London.

Audio Sushi's Blonde Ambition played a stunning set at Glastonbury 2011 and was featured in Cosmopolitan for her satorial style.  Read the full article here.