Whenever I’m in a store playing golden oldies like “All Shook Up” by Elvis or “Happy Together” by The Turtles, I want to take out my low interest credit card and buy.

If you also like to listen to music while shopping, we’re not alone.

One in-store music study at an American clothing retailer showed that music increases both the number of buyers and the amount of money spent. Consumers over age 50 shop longer and buy more when songs play in the background, while shoppers age 25 to 49 prefer foreground (background?) music.

That same research suggests that supermarket customers move more leisurely and put extra products into their shopping carts when slower songs are playing. Fast-tempo music energizes individuals to shop more briskly.

A matter of taste
Granted, not everyone shares my musical preferences. A Texas Tech analysis found that patrons buy higher-priced wines when classical music played in the background, rather than Top 40 tunes.

In contrast, young women in their 20s often feel energized in clothing stores featuring sing-along songs that are upbeat, fun and empowering. Pumped up by current hits from the likes of Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga, many youngsters morph into power shoppers.

Marketers who understand age-specific musical tastes differentiate their playlists by target audience. That’s why you often hear distinct types of songs playing in different areas of the same shopping mall.

Mind over music
Be careful not to confuse your musical vibes with whether you need or can afford merchandise on display. Music resonates with our natural desire to be happy. But what is happiness?

It can mean feeling good in the moment or, in the case of baby boomers, reminiscing about exciting times when the songs first came out. Music can induce an emotional state in which we want to buy stuff associated with those positive feelings. For example, the exuberant Beach Boy tune “Fun, Fun, Fun” may influence some people to buy cake and ice cream for the short-term sugar rush — instead of healthier alternative foods.

Sustainable happiness, on the other hand, involves feeling good about ourselves, which is what happens when we achieve worthwhile goals like staying on budget and saving money.

Musical shopping tricks
You can still enjoy melodies while shopping. Just make a shopping list before you go out and stick to it. In addition, carry a wish list on which to document your cravings when tempted to make impulse purchases. Once home, with relaxed music playing in the background, decide whether to buy the items on your wish list.

These days, I listen to tunes on my smartphone music player during shopping trips — songs that make me want to save, like U2’s “Beautiful Day” or “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley.

People need to have as much fun saving as they do shopping.