Sad and all too common. Boycott the store (don't buy ANYTHING) and tell them why, and report them to your local authority that inspects pet shops. Depending on where you live it might be your city animal control, health department, or a humane society. May need to call around city gov't to find out who does it.
Exactly, it seems like talking to the walls! I have seen in Santa Monica PetSmart 2 month old veiled chameleon living in the swamp (2" water at the bottom of the cage) and all worms dead in the bowl