SHOPPING at retail giant Marks & Spencer is set to be a much quieter experience after bosses vowed to stop the music. 

Following feedback from customers and staff, many stores will now be switching off background music.

The new music-free policy will be implemented over the next few weeks at 300 clothing and home branches across the UK.

An M&S spokesman said: "We're focused on putting the customer at the heart of everything we do.

"This decision is the result of extensive research and feedback from our customers and colleagues."

M&S first introduced in-store music in 2006 and is one of many businesses which have sparked anger from shoppers for their use of repetitive musical playlists.

Anti-noise group Pipedown recently staged a protest against the retailer's selection of tunes and urged shoppers to convince new M&S boss Steve Rowe to end background music.

Studies have found that those who suffer hearing problems and noise sensitivity can find background music disorientating.

A Pipedown spokesman said: "This decision, which will save M&S money, is the result of years and years of determined campaigning by Pipedowners and other people, who have refused to be fobbed off with bland dismissals.

"M&S remains the UK's biggest chain store, a national institution. So this is a great day for all campaigners for freedom from piped music.

"Millions of customers will be delighted by this news. So will thousands, probably tens of thousands, of people working in M&S who have had to tolerate non-stop music not of their choice all day for years.

"Now we can shop in peace."

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