I've resigned myself to the fact that both Big Box stores are woefully lacking in customer service. Only "trained" employees I have interaction is paint mixers. In fact, I don't even ask for assistance in other departments unless it's something that needs to be loaded with a fork lift - and I'd do that myself if they didn't kick me out of the store.
Management has taken to the Wal Mart business philosophy: Keep wages low and employees trained to the lowest common denominator. Guys in plumbing were working in garden supplies last week, and they think they are being 'trained' in all the departments so they can become managers but other than where it is on the shelf (they have to memorize that), they know very little about the products they sell. Truth is, that's how management weeds them out, thinking they will get frustrated before their chance at promotion comes around.
The company I work for has also had to modify their contract agreements regarding pricing and targeted completion dates due to product availability. Looks like my decision to retire is being reaffirmed every day.