Why Do Retail Customers Do It

I own a very small retail store. I often work in the store as the only clerk. Constantly customers come in look around and leave without purchasing. No big deal, I am not everything to everybody. I don't care, as I have plenty of customers that love my store and purchase sufficient items that I make a fair living at it. One of my pet peeves is the browser who has to make a comment so they can leave without buying. The most annoying comment is "you have such nice things." Not nice enough for them, as they NEVER make a purchase. Why do so many have to make the same comment? I personally make many of the items available in my store, so maybe I'm a bit more sensitive than the average clerk. I hate it, it drives me nuts, just leave, the ultimate compliment is a purchase.

My next most annoying customer reaction is the customer who comes in and treats you like you do not exist. My store is like 10 feet wide and 30 feet deep, a small space, we are almost face to face. Yet not even a glance, let alone a nod or simple acknowledgment of their presence. Even a "nice stuff" would be acceptable.

Does this happen in larger stores where there is less intimacy between customer and clerk?

OK - just for the lesson in adding photos and links here is a shot of the mall my store is in - Gaslight Alley - My little place is ground level on the extreme left.