It's really rather poor form to ask for numbers from employees while you are shopping or dining in their establishments. They are there to do a job. It makes their job a lot harder, both literally and emotionally, when they have to constantly fend off advances (platonic or romantic) from customers all day long. It's simply unpleasant for them. Yet, as part of their job, they have to remain friendly and keep a smile on their face because they are at work. The women you mention probably felt pressured to give their numuber-- or didn't know how to say no. I say that because they did not text you back or try to build a friendship. When a woman gives her number out but does not reply after that, it usually means she did not want to give her number in the first place, but felt pressured to do so. I used to do that when I was younger. I didn't yet know how to say "no" so I would give out my number and then just ignore them from the safety and distance of my phone. It's not a very mature method, but a lot of young women haven't learned how to say "no" yet. Try to put yourself in their shoes. If you're at work, trying to get work done, do you want to have people ask for your number every five minutes? It holds them up from making a sale, putting clothes back on racks, helping customers get things down, etc. It's simply a distraction. It would also be untenable for them to be friends with every customer who asked for a number. If they get approached 20 times a day, are they expected to make and keep up with 20 new friends every day? These young women probably just want to get their job done, so that they can go home and spend time with their families and close friends-- who they don't get to see when they're at work. If you have only met these women once, what do you even know about them? Or them about you? You don't know enough about one another to even know if you would be compatible as friends. That's why it's good to meet friends at places where you are both looking for friends, have an activity/hobby in common, etc. I realize that you are lonely and trying to make friends. I'm just suggesting that you find some healthier means of doing so. Try a social group, a hobby group, a meetup.com, etc. Approaching employees who are have to be polite to customers will probably not give you the results you are looking for. Look for women who are in your position, also looking to make new friends.