I am constantly struck by the differences between us Brits and my new compatriots. 

As something of an inveterate shopper I do tend to pop into any available clothes shop whenever the opportunity arises.  Over the past fortnight I must have visited quite a range of stores.  They all seem to position an overly friendly saleswoman close to the front door who proceeds to greet me with a cheery smile.  That I can appreciate is a good marketing strategy.

But then comes the flattery!  And that is starting to grate.  Walking into Ann Taylor, a rather upmarket establishment, my pretty ordinary skirt was much fawned over and the entire shop could hear about how "gorgeous" the lady at the front door thought it to be.  In Talbots it was a case of having to hear all about my "lovely" shoes - pretty bog standard black Clarks actually!  And so it has continued in every shop I have set foot in. Like gannets, one or other saleswoman swoops on some item of my clothing and chirrups about my superb dress sense at the top of her voice.  It's embarrassing.

And to cap it all, yesterday I strolled into Chico's and immediately the woman at the door went into paroxysms of praise for my "wonderful jacket".  Now I may think of myself as a snappy dresser (though my teenage daughter might beg to differ) but for Heaven's Sake, I was wearing Primark! 

Is this fawning and flattering an indication of straightened times and credit crunch desperation? 

Or do all prospective purchasers get this treatment in more normal times?  I would really like to know!