I found an awesome LBS that I will definitely be going back to. Wouldn't you know it, it was manned by ex military folks. Go figure.

I have been in three Bike shops in the last week. I now know the owner of all three and at least two mechanics. I walked in in Digital Camo, and unit patch. I then ordered a Army Jersey from one, got a bike fit from another and got my derailleur adjuster at another. Must be my charming nature...LOL

Speaking as someone who managed a half-dozen bike shops in three states, the simplest explanation is that the employees had recently been lectured/threatened by the shop owner or manager that if they didn't stop ignoring customers they'd be looking for a new job.

As for visiting two more shops and receiving the same crappy treatment, I think you probably saw it because you were looking for it. Go in with a sour attitude, you'll come out that way, too.

I'm not sure I would complain that someone was asking if I needed help with something in a bike shop. Of course a rotten attitude towards it is going to put your butt in a shop that probably has crappy customer service. Maybe you were looking around curiously or maybe you looked lost...? That will get a good employee to ask if you need help with something. If they don't bother you at all, they likely could care less about your needs.

But, to each their own.

FWIW, I've had good luck in politely telling LBS sales people that I would just like to browse around by myself. I used to find it awkward to do that, but now I have no trouble in walking into my favorite bike shop, or outdoor store, and simply saying that I want to look around and see what's new. The outdoor store in particular, rotates their stock with the changing seasons. I make a point of dropping in every few months to see what's currently on offer.

AGAIN, the problem was not that I was being asked for help. The manner in which I was being asked for help was what bothered me. I was there. I can tell whether the staff (of two people) were being forgetful or if they were simply harassing. I promise you it was the latter. They kept asking over and over as if I needed to buy something or get the hell out of the store.

the bike shop i used to go to was great, until they began to focus on thier online sales. now, if a person shows up they treat them like a potential thief. its a sad, sad world. baught my first bike there when i was younger, along with parts to fix other bikes i had aquired at various times. its so bad there now that they don't let you browse. infact its impossible to browse, what with the 3 foot wall blocking off the rest of the store from the entrence and register area.

long story short, dont like the service, take your business elsewhare. personaly though, i think youre just being hyper sensetive.

Ahh, you were getting the lofty "can I help you" (while looking at you like you took a dump in their store's front window), that was not clear at all in your original post. As a clyde I sometimes receive that same attitude; vote with your dollars and go to a different store. Hopefully you have other options in your area.