The Monocle Guide to Shops, Kiosks and Markets

by Monocle

Monocle’s latest book unpacks what makes a perfect shopping experience and offers tips on how to launch, design and run your own store. A must-have guide. The world of retail has never been so ­challenged thanks to a mix of e-commerce, unimaginative brand owners and greedy landlords. Yet while many stores have ­stumbled, a new generation of storekeepers and department store owners is arising. Is this the dawn of a new, independent age of bricks and mortar retail? Since launch the retail world has been one of the pillars of Monocle’s editorial ­coverage. On their travels around the world, the magazine’s editors are constantly looking for well-designed fit-outs, the people setting new benchmarks in service and the stores offering the smartest product mix. At the heart of all this is an understanding that a memorable shopping experience relies on a delicate balance of an inviting space, a warm welcome and a sense of discovery (not to mention covetable products)―but an understanding, too, that shops and shopkeepers play an indispensable role in creating lively neighbourhoods and vibrant high streets.

This new book from Monocle reveals the global media brand’s 100 favourite shops worldwide, from the independent fashion boutique to the department store that takes up a city block. It also offers a few top tips and advice on how to launch and run your own retail venture, as well as a collection of sharp essays and snappy interviews. The Monocle Guide to Shops, Kiosks and Markets is a handbook for any aspiring shopkeeper, stocking a wealth of insight and inspiration.

304 pages, Hardcover

Published June 20, 2019

Reviews

[Jean Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always meant to buy the various books that Monocle has been putting out over the years, but never got around to it until recently. These are all beautiful publications, and I do intend on getting all of them eventually.

[Romano Cappellari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volete farvi rapidamente, in modo efficace anche se senza rigore scientifico, un’idea di cosa sta succedendo nel mondo del retail? Questo volume, curato dal team dell’autorevole magazine lifestyle Monocle, è la lettura che fa per voi. La prima parte del volume, in particolare, presenta una selezione dei migliori cento negozi del mondo spaziando per sette categorie, dal food ai libri e attraverso tutti i continenti (è interessante comunque notare che ben dieci si trovano a Tokyo, non a caso meta dello study tour del mio Master Brand Ambassador).
La seconda e la terza parte approfondiscono, attraverso interviste e analisi di casi, alcuni dei trend evolutivi che stanno caratterizzando oggi il retail brick & mortar e che, secondo gli autori, ne determineranno lo sviluppo nei prossimi anni in parallelo a quello dell’ecommerce.
Come tutti i prodotti Monocle il libro è bellissimo anche solo da sfogliare, arricchito come è da centinaia di splendide fotografie che faranno la gioia di ogni appassionato di retail e di design.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ambitious book that convincingly makes the case for high streets everywhere from the other side of the till. In the online age it's difficult to believe how much genuinely fresh ground can be covered. A triumph for the city economy.

[Joscha Gewinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a travel guide around the world where it's not about the next beach or best hotels, but on the best shopping places. Nice curation of shops!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only got this book for the stunning photography and Japan based stores.
It has given us some further places to visit when we’re able to return to our beloved Tokyo.