Burlington

There are people who have Service Dogs/Animals. Also depending on what store you are talking about and the merchandise that they carry some customers might be making purchases such as clothing for their animal. Other than that another reason could be (that I can think of) is a newly purchased or adapted animal that was just picked up and they may be on their way home picking up some supplies to start off with. One does not need to go near them if they do not want to. I would think that it would be more frustrating having to walk through a cloud of smoke from someone smoking at the entrance and having no choice but to smell it, have the stench on your clothes or in your face or having trouble breathing from having to do so even if it is a short time. After all there is only one way in or out and breathing is kind of a necessity, so why sweat the small stuff...

It's always like that especially on the weekend

Yes

Yes they were when I was there

No. But Walmart do..