There was a store in my area that was the same way. The owner had shelves that were "private stock" that only he knew what he had invested in each bottle so he would give "deals" if he wanted to and also it prevented his employees from breaking things while trying to reach them..That makes a little more sense I guess. But still...
I guess each person can run their own business how they see fit, but this owner likely lost out on a purchase you might have made. Now, how many other potential purchases did the owner miss out on because he wasn't in the store. Sorry...just not sure I understand how some businesses operate. Hire people you can trust...have a system in which you check sales and inventory...make money like a baller!