From what I’ve noticed and talked to friends who all work at a gun stores, they open carry partly for “security” reasons but also to kind of highlight what they actually carry. Someone new to guns may ask them what they suggest and I’ve seen it countless times that they will unholster, unload and show them their personal weapon. Doing that also shows the customer how to operate the firearm in a safe way along with clearing a loaded firearm. Like @SuperPredator said, I don’t think I’ve been in a gun store where they were not open carrying. Maybe a big box store like Cabela’s but I think it’s company policy that they can’t carry open or concealed.
I wish I could have made the drive down to Myrtle Beach. Maybe when they are done with the museum, that could be a great chance to make the drive and meet some more of y’all.