Similar experience - it is essential to greet each customer ("good afternoon"), and you can let them know that you're available if they need help, but don't start selling them before they are ready.
I don't know if it's just because I've become more numb to the aggressive greets (or gotten better at brushing them off) but I used to despise shopping precisely because of the badgering.
Now it seems that in most small stores I walk into, they simply greet and shuffle off after offering assistance if necessary. It certainly makes shopping there much more pleasant.
I wonder if shops noticed the exodus towards large stores (where you're never bothered but can barely get help if necessary) and adjusted accordingly. For years I refused to enter any small clothing boutique because I knew at least 1 but probably more people would try to pressure me into buying something. If they did notice, good for them.
