Mine, the one I go to and support with ALL of my business, has a counter in front of the mechanic's area with stools around it. It's where people congregate and chat while the mechanic does his mechanic stuff... They openly and directly invite people to stop in and then thank them for coming when they leave.
... they form an informal support group for local cyclists...
Conversely, a sister shop owned by the same person does not invite conversation at all. It's all business. If you don't plan on buying something you don't go in... But, on the flip side, they also organize and sponsor a number of group rides -- so it's not like they aren't supporting the sport.
But, of the two, I prefer the first kind.