There is a major problem at Gatwick and, I am sure other UK airports, with the staff employed at security.
There is a lot of rudeness towards customers and also this very British thing about control. There was a quote I once heard which rings true 'if Hitler had succeeded in invading Britain he would have had no trouble recruiting for the GESTAPO!
I have encountered some friendly folk working at Gatwick security but they are not the majority.
I'm not an anti shopper at airports so I don't have a problem with shops and outlets.