FWIW I usually only go into a brick and mortar store with a specific goal. i.e. to see/hear something specific. I do not go in to discuss my equipment, ask for advise, or engage in ’audiophile’ topics. I will not encourage a salesman by opening a general conversation about audio topics. Faced with this attitude if they insist on asking questions to fortify their sales pitch, I will walk out and move on. Life is too short.
Incidentally, when I was starting into the really high end stuff, the best salesman/owner that I’ve ever run across was able to engage me about my equipment by being respectful and attentive. He always he always praised my stuff!!!! And after a conversation would offer me the opportunity to hear his stuff which he thought I might like. No sales pitch or pressure. This was back when I needed some helpful advise. BTW, he went broke and closed his beautiful store with all its high end stuff on display, because he overextended himself and tried to make his store a musical experience as well by having regular events where musicians would play live (not to listen to audio stuff). Too many audiophiles I think and not enuf customers who prized music first. The ’audiophiles’ just wanted to listen to his really high end stuff, then shop it on the internet and buy it used. Small wonder that some B&M stores have some rude folks.