sound at the record store

I have no problem with crappy sound in any store, I'm used to it. This is a hobby for most of us, he is in the sales business and if it doesn't contribute to the bottom line...
I won't let Anyone play any of my records.

some of you guys are so wound up with THE CAPS LOCK.....Whew relax.

The stores that will play a record for you are providing a service so that you can check out the tracks on the album and get an overall sense of its condition. Not for you to sit back and enjoy audiophile sound.
And yes I would be afraid to play an expensive LP using the stylus on their "record player." The setups in these stores don't deserve to be called turntables.

Hi Lowrider where have you been?

Gramophone did an article about the best record store. This dealt in some post hoc way with the slow demise of big chains like HMV, Tower, Virgin, etc...

Anyway, there is a store in Reykjavik, Iceland which provides a good system and compact disks for customers to hear before they buy. There is a cafe in the front of the store so that you can order an espresso and a snack and the staff will then bring it to you while you're in lounging in front of the stereo. The hope is that you will buy recordings but there is never any pressure.

Given the option to buy records at this store in Reykjavik or the dives in my town, I'd choose the Reykjavik store hands down.

I do not buy things from people who tell me I "can buy something for $300 but it is worth $800." I tell them no thank you.