In this case they not only look, but also bother you with unneeded greetings. Like an annoying staff in a shop asking whether you need help.

> Like an annoying staff in a shop asking whether you need help.

Would you call that a dark sales pattern?

Of course. They're not really asking if you need help, they're trying to interrupt your thinking and pressure you into making a buy decision on the spot.

Fair enough. Should sales staff never ask anyone if they need assistance?

I worked in a shop shortly after leaving school. Asking someone if they need assistance is almost certain to lead to one single action - the potential customer walking out of the shop at the next available opportunity.

Or hotjar.