It's most definitely US and Canada centric. I've lived and worked in many places around the world, and in no other place would you get the "friend" treatment when you go to a store or restaurant. It just creeps people out because it's obviously fake, and I've always wondered why it doesn't creep out North Americans. I grew up in Canada, and it's always creeped me out when salesmen or waiters come up to me and start talking to me like they're a close friend or something. But everyone else seemed fine with it.

It's particularly infuriating when the waiter comes up and does the "and how is everything today? Good? Steak nicely done?" routine while I'm trying to enjoy my meal or talk with someone.