We've got quite a few horrible pet stores here, but we've also got a few really good ones. The owners personally breed balls and other herps and the employees are knowledgeable. One of our local Petsmarts the reptile department manager is definitely very knowledgeable and I see him at some of the shows. I think it just depends on how the store is run and the knowledge of the owner and employees.
Imo in a retail situation where the product is a living thing, you can't put profit first over all else, the animal's well beings should be above all else.