I am actually amazed at how many auto parts stores there are out there these days. Very few people work on there cars these days so the numbers really don't add up for me. However, as you stated it is very hard to find anyone at these stores with any real experience. Sadly, it all comes down to money.
Thus the reason I am giving some serious thought to working part-time at a parts store after I retire in a couple of years.
2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement 2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered. 2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it) Old projects, gone but not forgotten: 1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it. 1980 Turbo Trans Am 1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto 1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed 1983 F-150 4x4, built 302 1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI