I’ve not had such a terrible experience but I’ve had the experience of being confused trying to work out how to buy something and the shop assistant being almost surprised that someone wanted to buy something instead of just looking at things. It was smooth enough after that but I would typically order online after that (which was mostly fine except for an annoying case where they would only deliver if I showed up in person)

That situation has the makings of a comedy sketch.

They are designing it as a show-room where you can buy items, not a self-service shop. More like a car dealership.

Because everyone loves buying at car dealerships?

People would probably like car dealerships a lot more if it was 'here's a bunch of cars you can look at, climb in and out of, and try out as much as you like as long as they don't leave the lot, and each has a specific listed price, take it or leave it'.

same here. i was able to skip a fitting for an apple watch when i told them i already measured. also with buying iphones outright i've never been hassled or up-sold. i've been going to my apple store in a medium sized american city for the past 10 years.

Same. If I'm in a rush I just preorder. Apple has the easiest purchasing experience I know of.

John Gruber?

Maybe this is an American thing?

GC is in the UK so that's probably not it.