Yeah, I think you may find the anxiety forum interesting.

I also don't like going to stores where the employees won't leave me alone. There's one store near me that I would like to support because it is a local business and I like the owner, but it's like going through a gauntlet to go in there -- I walk in and the person at the counter asks what I am looking for. I tell him I know where it is. As am I walking to the aisle, another person asks me what I am looking for. Sometimes four people will offer to help me when I don't want any help!

Also, I want to check the price on something before I buy it. It's hard to do that if someone drags you to the aisle and then hands you the product.

So I don't go in much. I wonder if they know how many customers they lose that way -- I like to browse when I shop and often buy things that weren't on my list.

I've found that taking baby steps and sort of desensitizing myself to these situations has helped. Go into the student room for as long as you can. Set a goal to say hello to someone. The next time you go in, try to stay five minutes longer and greet two people. Little by little, you will make progress. As you say hello to people, they will think you are friendly and be more likely to approach you in the future, too!