The Petco we have has tanks that are surprisingly clean. I buy almost everything online but try to visit them occasionally, since it is good to have the option to get salt or something in an emergency without having to drive an hour. I just got some really nice zoo colonies at a great price so I will probably try and check out their coral more often.
The main problem I notice is the customers who refuse basic advice. I am amazed at the people who come in and expect to set up a saltwater tank with no research at all. I didn't even do that back when I had freshwater.
Last time I was there some young men asked me for advice, because someone had given them a tank, and apparently they just decided to come get some fish for it. So I'm explaining about salinity, filtration, and the need to cycle a tank, etc. They nod and say "Yes, but if we wanted to set it up tonight (with fish) what would we need?" :facepalm:
BTW, this was about 15 min. before they closed the store. So yes, more knowledgeable employees would be great, but sometimes you just can't fix stupid.