That's really interesting. In that context I'd say in here (UK) the use is similar to America (like a cashier greeting you for example) to the point that when you ask back you can 90% of the times see the suprise on the employee's face - like barely anyone even acknowledges their words on first place.

When I worked in restaurants I'd ask how the guests were when I approached the table and 2/10 would ever answer instead of straight away ordering what they wanted 😂