Car Salesmen and Dominican Shopping

I have been to many car lots in the last 2 years or so. I was searching for the perfect car. Anyway, at all but one lot, it didn't take long before a salesman came up to me and ask if he could help. And generally they remained near me, showing me cars they thought I might like. And this is considered normal: very helpful, and sometimes over-helpful car salesmen.

I have discovered that shopping in the Dominican Republic is similar. You walk into a store in the mall (Santiago, is the only place I have been to a mall here) and if they don't greet you at the door, it isn't long before someone is at your side. They may ask to help you, but sometimes they just stand there, waiting until you ask for help or pick an item that you want. This is slightly weird, since I seem to gain a smaller shadow when I walk into a store.

But their helpfulness does not stop there. Once you have selected an item, they will either take it from you and hold it until you decide to pay, or they will go put it up at the counter. If it is clothes, they will find a dressing room for you. Talk about service! I have also experienced this in the fruit market in town. This is the normal service at stores.

I have yet to decide if I see these actions as a service or an annoyance. I think so far it has been the first one. Kind of makes me think that car salesmen aren't as helpful as I thought.