Just as I thought, they don't know what the hell they're doing. But then, they normally get the least experienced (or least intelligent) workers to just run the registers, it is after all probably the easiest job in the store.
I've actually never been helped by the sales associates there, because I don't normally need help. Normally when they ask me if I need help with something I just say that I don't, because it's pretty rare that I do. Of course though, if I do need help, have a question, or can't find something I can't find an employee to save myself.
Bet I could probably do the jobs of three or more of their sales associates' at once, and still do it better. The store around here never hires new employees though, in five years I've never had an interview or phone call returned from the local one, always when I call they say they're either overstaffed or just aren't hiring. I don't understand why they are accepting applications when they are not hiring, it makes no sense.
Funny thing is, when you call one and ask for the manager there's usually this long pause on the other end like they're shocked that you want to speak to a manager.