Michaels Stores review: Manager and lack of cashier

I was in the Bridgewater NJ store on January 11, 2022.
#9938. I had a Christmas skirt item with no price. As I was standing in line, one cashier was dismissed and only one on duty. I noticed an employee aimlessly walking around the store. I asked her to tell the manager I needed a price check. She said she had no way to call her. I said then find her. The manager came to the front and I explained my issue. I also suggested that the other employee get an a register. Then my cashier said she was on duty but doing a Walky, walky. I asked what the hell is that. Employees don't have to go on register right away. Don't worry about customer lines. The manager came back with a different skirt and said the price was the same. Discounted to 7.50. I said it's not the same item and I would gladly pay 4.00. She insisted it was the same item with a nasty attitude. So after going back and forth I paid for my other items.
I don't think the store is managed correctly. If you have a line wrapping around the store you should put your employee on register and after maybe give her an undeserved break. I cashiered for 9 years and always got my bank and got on register (my job) as soon as possible. What is going on here?