Best Buy and Magnolia. Not the same and not all stores have a Magnolia. Magnolia vs Magnolia. Some are worse than others. I have a very good friend that works for Magnolia in the Bay Area. He knows his shit. So let’s not slump it all into one bucket. The Best Buy jokes like how Bose used to be.
And if the friend of the original poster wanted stereo only, I don’t recall seeing that mentioned, then yes there is no need for an AVR. If I were shopping I would understand the difference between both and the friend knew enough to say integrated so he can’t be as green a grape. I would have said scram is there someone else who could help me?
And I use a pre/pro to get a combined HT/stereo set-up but I also totally understand that I MAY get much better results not using a HT piece of gear at all or using a pre/amp with home theater bypass.
There is nothing wrong with using an AVR for stereo. Hell many/most do but don’t underestimate with moving away from that path can provide a much greater experience. Depends on what you are after. Some folks very sensitive like you are cutting down their set-up but it's really a case of understanding what the two different scenarios provide.
But again, my real point is standing up for the Magnolia guys. They can only sell what they have. Many but maybe not all very Intune with the landscape. And they discount. Be firm.