My biggest complaints are the endless prompts from stupid things like donations, the fact that there is no standardization, and that at Walmart in particular, they will have 20 of them and 6 are open.
I know a lot of them are ordered to do it by their bosses, and I feel bad for them, but the way employees can help me find anything is when I ask them to do so. Otherwise it isn't help, it's just an annoyance. As I have a teenager, I have to take her to the mall sometimes and those stores are the worst at it. Sometimes the salespeople will follow you around the store trying to "help" you. And I don't think they believe it's because either of us are going to steal anything.
Some of those mall stores are the worst! I've noticed the same thing when shopping with my teenage nibling and nephew. They don't even let you think or consider a purchase.
It's also the number one reason I've stopped buying gifts at Bath and Bodyworks. If I could just look around freely, I'd be able to make a decision, but swooping down like a vulture only creates confusion and makes me shut down and leave.
I literally ignore them. I Don't look at them or address them. I treat them like the majority treat the homeless...hell I give homeless folks more attention then any stranger trying to talk to me.
I now have a habit of giving as firm NO to anyone who seems like a staff member trying to 'help' me at checkout or those kiosks in the bulk type stores.
One of these days I'm going to do that out of habit when I do want help and will feel like an ass. Worth the risk though.
The only time I need actual help is when an item is kept behind lock and key. Otherwise, even when I do need help they're not very helpful and unable to provide any information that's not easily accessible from their web site.
Sir, can I see your receipt before you leave. Our corporation thinks you're a dirtybfucking thief and we can't be bothered to prove it or look at our own damn receipts so give us yours while we detain you - companies that don't give two shits
At the Walmart near me, there's a whole set of checkout terminals intended for only a few items, but except for the absolute busiest times, they'll put carts to block them off, including the ones in the regular self checkout area. There's a line, but they physically remove access to some perfectly functional terminals just because.
Maybe it's because they still need someone to watch over the self checkout terminals, in case someone tries to scam the machine or needs an id check for alcohol or makes a mistake and needs to undo a step etc.