In reply to alimckay:
> however we are not a qualified instructor
>They need to seek instruction if they are not sure or more likely just do it themselves, so the store has no responsibility.
This makes perfect sense. It is the retailers job to ensure they sell you the correct product, not to instruct you on how to use it. Otherwise where does it stop? Retailers showing customers how to tie into a harness, or use a belay device?
Yes, it may be considered "stupid", but in this day and age it is not unexpected.
Bluebird, you said it yourself:
>it's really come to something where retail staff aren't able to offer help and advice for fear of being held liable.
It is, but that's not the assistants, or retailers fault.