I've only had issues with the one place, the others in the area have been nice, pleasant and helpful. So it's not endemic to the type of store.
And on a shoe note to keep it on point....wore the Alpine's last night to walk the dog. The Vibram ice grip sole really does grip on wet ice, it's weird but I think one would have to purposefully try and slip with it. I have been reading about it and the sole is supposed to keep it's grippy-ness for 200 miles of wear, that's a lot of dog walks.
I’m sure I could manage to fall. They sound like they do their job! 200 miles goes super quick though!