As a salesperson in a retail store myself (I'm actually at work right now), I understand completely what you are saying. People can be very cold when you first

As a salesperson in a retail store myself (I'm actually at work right now), I understand completely what you are saying. People can be very cold when you first approach them as they walk in, but you can turn their attitude around instantly with simply being polite and staying out of their way. If you're good, you'll know exactly when and how to engage them. Steve Blank is a huge proponent of this methodology which he refers to as consultative sales. I encourage anyone and everyone in business to look further into it.