Agree some bike shops really need to get experienced people.
Some seem to be completely clueless. I was at Alger (28th st) the other day looking at a tubular, (had it in my hand, in the box from right off the shelf where two others were) Knowing that they have more stock in back, I asked a salesman if they had any other tubulars. He said behind the counter, then walked over to the tubes, and asked what size I needed. I said, 'no I mean tubular tires, like these' and handed him the box, he took it, looked at it and said "we don't carry those"

Ken.