While there are some AVRs that do pay attention to, and actually do provide very good two channel sound, you’re very unlikely to find them at a Magnolia/Best Buy.
Your friend would have been better served by purchasing an all in one integrated/streaming/DAC/amplifier, some with room correction, and some with HDMI ARC connections for running a 2.1 channel TV connection.. Various manufacturers make them, NAD has several models at different price points. The best advice you could give him would be to return it all and take a look on Crutchfield’s website. Lots of information as well as customer reviews, but the best part is their generous return policy.