Flusser has a few interesting points to make on the subject of big store salesmanship. Anyone who's been into Brooks will have had the experience. Smaller mens' shops, staffed by middle-aged queens and young lads with gelled hair and cheap ties can be even more hideous. Just buy something, they seem to whisper, anything...
Oddly, I do most of my purchases through the internet these days, the staff are wonderfully attentive.
The best jackets I've ever purchased have actually been through this site from Shamrockmonkey, Eris and Hattrick.