Rebel, I don't know what part of Phila you're from, but Mayfair is one of the nicer neighborhoods.
As far as the counter help, visit any gun store or range, and at some point you are going to find the same guy. Different name, different background, he was SWAT, he was a SEAL, he was Secret Service. They don't last long.
Locks is a good store, they have a nice selection, very good smithing, and have been around for a long time.