Isn't it wild that traditional bricks and mortar retail is now considered - not just "dystopian" - but "wildly dystopian" and perusing Amazon while on the toilet is now considered not dystopian? How times have changed!
I have never "established a friendship" while shopping, at least not that I can recall. But I have gone to a store with a friend as a social activity to browse for goods together. Pretty common experience from what I have seen.
I don't expect to establish friendships while shopping. It's never even occurred to me.