What is it about NTs ...

I’d generally be wary of generalising (about any topic) from “this is overwhelming for me as an autistic person” to “NTs seem to need it”.

In this case, some autistic people actively seek out loud, rhythmic sounds as part of sensory-seeking, and could actually enjoy that aspect of your shopping centre experience.

Autism-related sensory processing can differ in more than one direction (hyper- or hypo-sensitive), and it can also be mixed and context-dependent (for example, enjoying loud music, but not other loud sounds). 

Also, plenty of neurotypical and, more broadly, allistic (not autistic) people also dislike loud music in shops.

Noise aside, shopping centres can, of course, still be very difficult for lots of us for other reasons, too - like the examples here:

NAS - Autism and sensory processing 

Practically, you could try headphones or earplugs to help, but perhaps you could also consider asking whether the shopping centre runs - or would be willing to trial - quiet sessions?

For example, the Metrocentre in Gateshead offers quiet sessions twice a week with adjustments including dimmed lighting and reduced noise from in-store music and announcements:

Metrocentre - quiet hours

I quite like loud music when I want to listen to music, 

But not when trying ti concentrate on making decisions on things  need to spend money on. To me they are different activities 

On the rare occaission I do isten to music I like it loud as I like to feel enveloped by, I wnat that sound to be the only sense I experience and it could be anything from Born Slippy by Underworld, to Carl Orrf's Oh Fortuna.

Along with the rest of my school choir, I sang 'Oh Fortuna' at the Albert Hall. It was nearly 70 years ago but still a vivid memory. 

Ah, I can understand why you'd want to avoid headphones then. Similarly I try to avoid my triggers - crowds and groups of young men. 

I don't do headphones, they trigger my PTSD and people seem to see me wearing them as an invite to hassle me.

....and of course that loud noise is fine as I have chosen it rather than having it imposed on me. I pop my headphones on (please listen responsibly...)

I like it loud too, TheCatWoman . Even better with the lights out at night

I like it loud too, TheCatWoman . Even better with the lights out at night

Ah, I can understand why you'd want to avoid headphones then. Similarly I try to avoid my triggers - crowds and groups of young men. 

I don't do headphones, they trigger my PTSD and people seem to see me wearing them as an invite to hassle me.

....and of course that loud noise is fine as I have chosen it rather than having it imposed on me. I pop my headphones on (please listen responsibly...)