I see the same behavior at the auto parts store I work at. Some folks will position themselves 15 feet from the counter across the aisle and wait. Just stand there.
I have to ask, if you were at another place standing 15 feet from the counter and wanted to place an order for a beer, would you be resoundly ignored? I can guarantee that those who do want to get a beer will not stand nearly out of sight as far as possible from the counter.
How many are being coy and demure when you basically need to entrap them? I can tell you the garage owners and mechanics don't lack for boldness in getting my attention - by politely walking right up to me and saying something. I see them do it all the time, the wall flowers roll their eyes as if they have been horribly slighted. Well, they have been.
It's a wonder how some ever made contact with a female and proposed marriage with that tactic. It's as if they think they are so impressive in physical form that they couldn't possibly be missed? Let me add that this problem has been growing over the years - it seems each generation moves back another foot. Ten years ago they were a lot closer - and still getting cut off and ignored.
No, the store staff shouldn't be hiding or somewhere other than out in front to help. Then again, listening to them discuss how much stuff management inserts into their word day, sales clerks are clearly given so many extra duties beyond helping customers on the floor that yes, it IS management contributing to the problem.
As said, how many ask for the floor manager to express it? Nope, once again we have posters who would rather come here to complain - basically using the same behavior pattern. Distance yourself as far as possible away from where interaction takes place and then wait for change.
Let's chalk it up to how brick and mortar are driving sales out of the store. Sales staffs have NOTHING more important than waiting on customers, we all agree on that. None the less - who's going to stock the shelves, sweep, perform the endless cycle count inventories, returned goods inventory, cash refund inventory, and other auditing reports when management fills their day with meetings as far away from the sales floor as possible?
I will point out that there are plenty of managers who frequent this forum. Have you noticed their complete absence in participating in these threads?