"I figure for the amount of money you spend on workout clothing at this place the sales staff should make an effort to greet.  I get more attention at Academy."

Ok, the first rule of any retail store game: Greet! I bet you already know that retirees at Walmart are getting paid just to greet people. You don't have to hire retirees for this job, but customers still appreciate you saying "Hi, Hello, or Welcome!" It goes without saying that first impressions last.