I walk around sometimes with my hiking pole. I've never encountered a rude person, because of it, and in fact everyone is very polite and helpful to me. The only place with poor help is Costco IMO. I struggled with a very heavy thing once there and employees walked past me like I was invisible.
Also I don't see strange people in WalMart. The most unusual thing I did see was in a rural WalMart upNorth, where people from long distances come to, including Canada.
One day there was a woman with an impaired teenager, who screamed endlessly like he was injured or whatever. He had some neuro disease I guess, this alarmed the shoppers to the extent, that management had to ask them to leave. We heard him thru the whole store! It was alarming and intense.
Back when Kmart, started, there used to be jokes about the patrons there, but I haven't seen that in a LONG time.
I worked with the public for 40+ yrs... I've had some doozies.
I think it depends on where the store is located as to the customer base. One Kmart I went to had a disturbed person who
visited there daily and smeared feces all over the bathroom. I walked in and WHEW.... backed right out, and went to the courtesy desk... they shrugged and called for clean up and wanted to know if I saw who did it... as they were trying to catch the culprit, and said it happened EVERY day.
I have far more Kmart stories than WalMart!
I will say... that the most unusual people I have seen recently... were at IKEA. I had to sit out some of the shopping on a bench there recently while my son was zorching around looking for lighting ideas for his house. I was just spent, after doing the kitchen department, and found a rare bench to sit on. I think my spirit guides actually put it there for me, because IKEA is just a painful place for me to visit, but I am drawn to it anyway...LOL Anyway I sat there and watched the people. It was a busy Sunday afternoon. IKEA here is a "destination" store, people coming from long distances. Most of them were just eclectic types, but I was very surprised at women wearing the new 6in high heels and tight jeans... shopping with toddlers and a hubby! MAN that looked so painful to me! My poor feet were hurting in sympathy! LOL
They truly are something else. It makes you not want to touch your computer to get to the next picture. No kidding. I can't believe people come to the store like that.
I've seen more than one of these going around the net.
When they do acknowledge you, they talk down to you. It is so frustrating. 
And then to try and get anything from a shelf that is farther up. My husband has to help do that. The carts aren't that comfortable but at least I can get around the store. I never was one to shop and look for hours like my Mom. I am more like my Dad was. Get in, get what you want and get out. 
You all made me feel better. thank you. 
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