I visited a recently opened Steve & Barry's in MD on a recent weekday. Since it was a weekday, there were only a few customers in the store. As soon as I walked into the store, 3 associates were standing in front as I walked in, arranging one table of clothing. All 3 just looked at me, with no greeting, no smile or anything (I think one of the women was a manager or asst. manager also). You would think for a newly opened store in a location that definitely won't get much traffic, the associates would be more receptive.
As I walked around the empty store, employees continued to walk past without glance or may I help you. Believe me, I don't want to be hounded in a store but I would like to be acknowledged as a potential customer.
I visited a few other stores that day with a similar set-up...Kohl's, etc. and as I walked in, I was greeted by at least one employee. It was a welcoming feeling that made me want to shop there.
I didn't spend a dime at Steve & Barry's even though I saw items that I would have liked. I walked right up with my head held high and went to spend my $$ at a store that welcomes my presence.