Final answer:
Small talk can help build rapport with customers and create a positive shopping experience, potentially increasing the likelihood of a purchase.
Step-by-step explanation:
Small talk can be a valuable way to build rapport with customers rather than being seen solely as a sales tactic. By engaging in friendly conversation, store owners can create a more comfortable and positive shopping experience, which may in turn increase the likelihood of a customer making a purchase. While small talk should be conducted in a genuine and respectful manner, it is not necessarily something that should always be avoided when interacting with customers.