Good stores still exist. In fact, their number is growing. Well-designed specialty shops that are inspired by the small manufacturers and mom-and-pop operations of the past are now sprouting up. These outlets are defying e-commerce and anonymous online shopping with outstanding products, original interior design, innovative concepts, and, first and foremost, friendly and competent customer service.The Shopkeepers explores this new store culture through examples such as barbershops, fish smokeries, tailors, and milliners, as well as retail spaces specializing in stationery, hardware, buttons, home decor, or coffeemakers.They can be found off the beaten track as well as in the hearts of major cities from Berlin to Beirut. The book makes it clear that they are all driven by the passion that their founders and operators have for their business ideas and products, whether vintage eyeglasses, textiles from India or China, specialty books, soaps, olive oils, or tropical fish. While some shops are based on innovative ideas, others are reinterpretations of traditional family businesses.The Shopkeepers also introduces some of the personalities behind these exciting retail concepts. Many have been running their shops for years but are only now being recognized by a new generation of consumers for their acumen, integrity, and knowledge --from shoemakers who truly understand their craft to culinary experts who can differentiate between 200 types of chocolate or cheese with their eyes closed.Some are such interesting characters that the chance to interact with them is reason enough to attract potential customers.In the stores featured in The Shopkeepers, the customer is again king and can find a personal, quality retail experience that the internet simply cannot provide. The book reminds us all of the value of exceptional service and of meticulously selected products which are built to last and on which one can depend. If they didn't exist already, they do now.

零售是无可比拟的，一个个小小的店铺正体验着重生。好商店依然是存在的！

在这个网购的时代，开一间商店成为店主似乎是一个很大胆的举动。然后，从维也纳到温哥华，商店再次以商业企业为对手有价值地崛起。消费者是很乐于接受分享独特认知的，个性的，视野开阔的和幽默的店主。

在那些店主个人的背后是什么，他们是如何筛选产品的，室内的环境是如何打造的，还有那些无懈可击的服务，这些空间能够提供到的都是网络商铺或者是连锁店不能够比拟的。本书还提醒我们精心选择产品和提供卓越服务的价值是使得商店持续发展的常青树。