Stingray not only runs a plethora of radio stations in Canada (including the highly successful Boom 97.3,) it also has a separate advertising division. And now they've partnered with over 300 Loblaw's owned stores to bring - yep - advertising on that music you hear when you shop. 

"The Loblaw store audio network will span nearly 300 stores, including Loblaws, Zehrs, Real Canadian Superstore, and other retail banners, with campaigns expected to begin mid-August."

Stingray Advertising and Loblaw Media Team Up to Launch Audio Advertising in Loblaw Grocery Stores

But while hearing ads as you shop may be annoying, that's nothing compared to what Wal-Mart is doing in some of its stores. You may start seeing sponsors on everything from those self-checkout screens to the coolers that hold your drinks. TVs in the electronics section could be turned on, not to a program but to a commercial for a product sold in store. And yes, if there's music playing in the place, it will sometimes be interrupted for a word from a sponsor (who happens to sell products in that Wal-Mart.)

"The company plans to ramp up in-store ads using its approximately 170,000 digital screens across its locations as well as 30-second radio spots that will be available to suppliers later this year and can target a specific store or region. And it’s hoping at least one of the new advertising initiatives will be easy to digest: Free samples in stores on the weekends."

So far, this has been restricted to stores in the U.S., but if it works there, you know it's coming here. Perhaps another good reason to shop online as much as possible if you really hate these semi-subliminal come-ons. 

Walmart is bringing ads to an aisle near you as retailers chase new money-makers