i stop in my local store every week. and if i am in my travels and see another grow store i stop in to price check and maybe find something thats on the clearance rack and pick up anything i might want to try.
i am pretty sure that there is no one staking out the store copying down you plantes and following you home. it is great for you to be able to go into your store and ask questions as long as their is knowelgable staff there. my local store isnt that wonderful other than telling you the same thing the directions say on the back label. they couldnt even tell what is the best nutes to start with. that go right to the highest price stuff for profit. house and garden, humbolt, right off the bat. when there are cheaper products that are much better and easier to use and understand