That was one huge man do we know if he was “asking” or intimidating people to buy cigarettes? As a woman I find his size intimidating. If police try to arrest someone prudence would say don't resist.
Yes, he is large and no we don't know if he was intimidating people.
All I know is that I tend to JUST WALK ON BY, smile and say no thank you. Nothing to get really angry about.
Now if I see a group of some sort, I will simply go to another store, aka WALK ON BY.