After spending what seems most of my life complaining about AGD, I have to eat humble pie.
I recently visited the AGD store at Thurrock. Not only was the nets empty of staff, but a young member of staff approached me and asked if he could help.
We discussed clubs, went into the nets and hit some balls. Talked about golf and how the club could help me. He made some suggestions including cheaper clubs, and I left impressed.
So much so, I went back 15 minutes later and bought the club, getting some free balls as a way to cushion the extra cost over mail order. The service was polite, advise was clear and overall, it did not seem to be like the usual AGD store where you are made to feel like you are interrupting an important teen nets session.
Well done Thurrock.