This is something I’ve noticed lately. A lot of hifi shops and hifi manufacturers have helpful staff, but just as many are extremely rude and arrogant.
I’ve had people speak condescendingly about my amp when I’m demoing speakers. Same thing for my speakers. I’ve even had someone, and I kid you not, tell me my streamer has shit sound quality.
It seems like hifi shops are either extremely helpful or just downright awful. The same with manufacturers, they either recognise that there exists alternatives or everything sucks ass compared to their product.
Are you me? Literally had this same frustrating experience at a local shop recently. Seems like a terrible way to build a customer base. I get that much of the hobby is nuanced (maybe to its detriment), but I just refuse to spend money with a salesperson/business with such a douchey demeanor.