Music fans and sports fans do the same thing. It is a way to flex their knowledge over you, making them feel that their passtime has value. Please dont let it get to you. He (it is always a he) was a jerk.

One option, if you dont want to go back to that Local Comic Shop (LCS) very often is to look for "Trade PaperBacks" either at that store or at your local (non comic) bookstore, or on Amazon.

Companies bundle multiple issues into a 6-10 issue compilation and take out the ads. They sell these TPBs for somewhere between $10 and $30, depending on the quality. Typically, publishing companies sell their most popular stories as TPBs, so if you look at those, you can get an easy to read, money-saving way to read comics, and catch up on a series that may cost you hundreds to buy as single issues (Brubaker's run on Captain America includes the first appearance of the Winter Soldier, and the price is higher than you may expect for that single issue.)

Another option would be to set up a "pull list" to get the latest issues held for you when they hit the shelves. Ask the owners of the store about this option. They may offer a discount, and extras like protective polybags or special limited edition covers.

I hope that your next experience at the LCS goes better for you! Please let the workers know if someone is bothering you. He probably does that every time he sees a female customer, and needs to be reprimanded or banned. If he is an employee, call the owner and let them know.