Downhill From Here

In my 35-​plus years of living, I’ve NEVER been treated this poorly by a local merchant.
«Local». That word used to mean something. It meant that you could take pride in making sure your money stayed with someone close by, and you could rely on them for service later.
Not only did this shop ruin any possibility of doing business with them for many years to come, they also ruined my perception of what «Buy Local» means.
On my way there, and since it was around a holiday, I called to make sure the shop was open. Whoever picked up (whom I’m dub «Mr Excitement» moving forward) answers in a crappy tone… I ask him if they are open today (I realize that by answering the phone, they probably are… but hey, it’s a holiday), he says «Yeah». That was the extent of our award-​winning conversation. Despite the perception that maybe he doesn’t want us showing up today, we plow ahead.
I walked in with my wife and daughter, wanting to look into a comfort bike to ride around the neighborhood. Nobody was around the front of the shop to greet us (no biggie), and I saw a younger guy (short hair, glasses) working on a bike in the back. I asked him about looking at comfort bikes… told him what I thought I needed, which was rebuffed. I’m a big guy, expressed my concern over finding a frame for my size… and excuse me, it’s been 20 years since I’ve ridden… I don’t know what I «should» be looking for. Mr Excitement tells me abruptly that the frame size «doesn’t matter» (as it pertains to holding my weight) and strolls over to his selection. He waves his hand over a group of about 4 – 5 bikes, and tells me «this is all I have, I don’t have many in right now». Someone else walks in, Mr Excitement makes his way back to the service area from where he came earlier.
I check out the rides, and find a Giant comfort bike that I think will work. However, I have questions about it. So, since nobody else is in the shop, I have to go find Mr Excitement again. He has finished speaking with the other customer and is behind the cashier counter now. I say, «hey, mind if I pick your brain?» He sighs and says, «sure, what’s up?» I tell him that I think I found one that will work, and wonder about the frame fit. Pardon the you-​know-​what out of me, but I think it’s a valid concern when looking for my first bike in 20 years.
His attitude goes from bad to worse… he tells me in this snotty tone (even my wife perceived it as such), «Well, we’ll have to pull it out then». I turn to the side, he ROLLS HIS EYES and mumbles something to himself.
At that point, I’m done. I tell him «never mind» and walk out.
I realize the owner will probably never read this (and I hope to God that Mr Excitement was NOT the owner), but if that does happen… they really need to know how this employee treats prospective customers. Here I was, ready to spend hundreds of dollars on something he can provide, but instead I walk out resolving to never come back. I hope I’m the only one, or these guys won’t be around long.
**Add 10÷18÷12 — Well, these guys are gone. Shop is empty and their Facebook page says the owner is operating out of his basement. Sorry to see that, and hopefully this local biz will be back soon, with better service. And I hope my experience was the exception, not the norm.