Attitude is a two-way street. Perhaps the guy is a little socially awkward? Have you introduced yourself?

You may not have the experience yet that makes you value a local shop. The experience I'm talking about is that perfect day, spoiled by the lack of some necessary item. It happens to all of us eventually, and it makes a person appreciate the local shop. I don't really expect any more from them than I do at the grocery store in terms of pleasantries. I'm not doing them a favor by shopping there. It's much more akin to them doing me a favor by being there. I don't doubt for a moment that most hobby shop owners could make a little more running a store in a more popular line of retail. In any event, it's a business. I don't go there primarily for friendship or to be thanked for going there.

Your questions may be answered by mail order places for the moment. That can change, however. Just like LHSs, they're squeezed by prices from overseas. I spread my money around.