Commenters Respond: A Sour Banana

Thanks to the folks at Jezebel and RACKED a lot more people than usual read our account of visiting the smothering, newly renovated SoHo Banana Republic, and naturally, a few of them had something to say in response.
From Emma:

I worked at Banana for a soul-crushing two weeks some time ago, and I promise you, most of those sales staff would like nothing better than to leave you alone. But the managers (of which, like you said, there are ALWAYS too many of) stand around doing absolutely nothing, just watching the sales staff and how they interact with customers.

From VA:

HA HA, i've worked in Banana Republic for years and know exactly what being pressured into modeling a behavior that you know will actually turn customer off rather than "welcome them in" feels like.

Of course, there is always the contrarian, who sounds suspiciously defensive of Banana Republic, like Christophershawn:

The store is beautiful and I found it refreshing that the staff was excited about it's opening. YES it's rude, lacks class and any sort of maturity to enter a store with headphones on. Stay home. shop online. Going shopping is about engaging with people and enjoying the EXPERIENCE. Retail is lacking true excitement, passion and inspiration a store. Apathy is so common.
I thank the team at this store for the amazing energy they brought into this gorgeous store, I look forward to making this a must visit when in SOHO.

Seriously, Christohershawn, it's kind of up to the customer to decide what shopping is all about. Perhaps you have read too many books about retail management. And by the way, do you think that we can't smell a plant or a shill from miles away? We wish you the best of luck with your career at Banana Republic.
Previously:
Renovations Unveiled: Banana Republic Will Welcome You To Death