And if you ever get to NYC, definitely go to the store... it's amazing. Every conceivable piece of camera gear is in stock for you to play with. Want to check out the $30,000 Hassleblad digital back? Here it is..!
Each section (SLR, compact cameras, etc..) has a few DOZEN clerks who are for the most part all pretty knowledgeable about their gear. You wait for a few minutes, then get sent to one of them. Since there is no line behind you now, you can stay there for as long as you like trying things out.
The range of options is unbelievable. They must have about 200 different tripods out on the display floor. All sorts of pro equipment, etc... The place is massive.
And don't miss the Willy Wonka style tramway that runs along the ceiling. You pick stuff out at the individual clerks, they put it in the basket, it ends up ready for you when you check out.... very cool.
They are very observant, that's true... even their Web site doesn't take orders on Saturday!