Technically they are NOT a retail store so stop expecting hand on foot service. They are a Wholesaler, Retail Housewares, Hardware, Gifts & Restaurant equipment supplier, who just happens to be opened to the general public. The workers are most likely stock people and not salesman like one reviewer mistakenly thought. Shelves are jammed packed with hard to find stuff we sometimes have to dig ourselves to get a whole set.
Example: I purchased an 18/10 stainless steel 40 pc cutlery set in a wooden display box from Sears. Their version of the table spoon was a joke at best so I went to Tap Phong to look for larger alternative. I didn't find table spoons, but I did find something even better. Soup spoons which matched the pattern and weight exactly as if they were part of the original set. I had to rummage through a large bin of, "Assorted" cutlery to find 8 spoons to fit my 40 pc - 8 person set.
I own a small butane camping stove which is popular for some Asian dishes (Hot Pot) and very useful during that power outage we had 2 years ago. Normally I can get the fuel canisters from Canadian Tire at 4 for $10, but at Tap Phong I pick them up 5 for $4.
Bottom line if you want sturdy restaurant quality wares, this is the place to go. Staff are mainly stock people there to restock shelves. They are not there to answer product questions. They may know if stock is in stock or when will they be ordering more, but that is the limit of their knowledge. Generally people who come shop there are restaurant and business owners who KNOW what they are shopping for. The cashiers are a bit more helpful but don't expect them all to speak English at all.