I have taken mine in Garden Ridge here. I think it depends on who is working the store.
I used to take mine to Joann's. They now have a corporate policy that does not allow pets.
I always kept mine in their stroller .. see no reason not to allow them in there. My pups behave better than many kids I see running through that store. grrr
Hobby Lobby loves my pups...that is a place they love to go to. And..they also go to the Coach store in the mall here. They are total pet lovers in both of those stores.
I have also taken them to Dillards and never had a problem.
So...I really think a lot of times it is just management.