It always makes me angry when I hear these stories. Most of the major pet stores in my area do not hire based on animal experience but rather on retail experience. To me that shows the mentality of the corporation. Mass produce and sell sell sell. Who cares if the animals suffer. Well I'm all for calling the ASPCA on irisponsible pet stores. It wont stop unless we take responsablity and do our part.
Messed up part is I have 10yrs retail exp. And within 6mons I have learned a huge amount on herps. They wont even let me volenteer...lol