I have offices in Dallas. It's not a stretch to visit. I wasn't the only person in the store. You're the exception buying online and transferring data yourself. Many people would rather go to the store with their old phone and walk out with new all set up. The stores offer that service. Not an inconvenience at all. I have 2 locations within a few miles of my office.
Apple stores are packed because people like to touch what they buy. No way I'm buying a $700.00 IPhone 7 without driving it first. Simple.