Sorry, I had trouble understanding what you meant…. Did you ask to buy him a hide-away and more hay at the store?
Stores also have a limited amount of supplies, but usually enough to house their pets. I also know that many stores are ignorant about animals. I have seen many Rats/mice/bunnies/ect on the wrong bedding, eating the wrong food. What you did wasn’t rude, in fact you bettered his life. I would have done the same. I would rather seem like a jerk then have a little animal suffer from ignorance.
Also, if they are housing him wrong, tell the HS, usually they send pets that are available to shops so more people would see them. They aren’t technically goving them away, after a while if the pets still not adopted they usually take them back. My shelter usually brings adoptable cats to the family pet shop and petco so they can be seen. Petco also does a few days out of the month adoption days for dogs from the local shelter.
Also, I agree with the food for snakes thing… but I also hate seeing rats and mice sold in the same matter (I know, they need to eat too… I just hate it). I know from experience that rats and mice are amazing pets… and honestly, I love snakes, but nothing compares to the companionship of a rabbits, rat or mouse. :/