Same thing happened to me when I got my HHgregg card at the store 2 months ago. Lady was clueless and wanted me to sign up for the card before choosing the TV I wanted to buy. They do seem to get a nice bonus whenever they make someone app for their card. She gave me $5k as well though so I didn't complain and was happy instead lol.

I ended up buying a $3k TV that day and returned it shortly after that because I got a 10% discount offer when I set up my acc online. They had a promotion just now for 24 month deferred interest + 5% for using your card. In the long run, if one gets a sweet price with them, the card comes in handy.