Most of the Home Depot electrical dept. guys down here on Long Island are laid-off electricians. They are helpful and knowledgeable.
On the other hand, even if you are a licensed electrician, a lot of the counter guys at supply places have an attitude. It comes from the union "I can't be fired for being surly" mentality, and (I suppose) the fact that they have to deal with non-professionals trying to DIY all day.
