In my opinion...

Customer service is key. Having worked with the public for awhile, I recognize that it is often not your store but YOU that sells the product. If you give great customer service, customers will come back.

That said...I went into a Sally Beauty Supply tonight to try and get a few quotes for a story I'm working on. I know that most retail stores have regulations about giving quotes, but you can usually get approval from an upper manager for generic quotes about products, etc. Not only did I get "shut down," they mistakenly talked about "shutting me down" while I was still in the store...SHOPPING! No joke here. I was courteous in asking my initial questions and introducing myself, and three associates (including the manager) proceeded to talk about "We don't let no news people in here. I shut her down!" They didn't realize I was still there until I turned to tell them, "Thank you for your assistance" before leaving. 

You what you also shut down? Any chance of me returning with my wallet in hand!

I will be finding a Sally's farther from my home but with MUCH better service.

Sorry for that rant! lol