Shopkeeping: Stories, Advice, and Observations

A love letter to the small shop, and shop owners everywhere, by beloved bookseller Peter Miller.

There is a tradition of shopkeeping, a tradition of codes, etiquette, and customs. For the most part, it is an oral history, passed along, person to person. You learn to be a retailernot by going to college, but by going to work. You learn from people who have learned how to run a shop. [from the Introduction]

Over forty years, Peter Miller has been the driving force behind a Seattle design bookshop that shares his name. On top of that, he’s penned three novels – all instructionals on cooking and the dining experience. In this affectionate tribute to his day job, Miller introduces readers to his other passion: shopkeeping. With clever anecdotes and witty storytelling, he paints a vivid picture of life on the bookshop floor. Along the way, readers discover the unique charm and importance of small, local shops that add character and value to our communities.

This delightful collection is a must-read for anyone who loves a good shop and showcases the heart and soul of running a beloved local business. By the end, you’ll be itching to open your own shop!