Whilst cruising the streets of Quito, Ecuador I noticed the shops looked like they were all old-fashioned, somewhat like versions of the department stores from 'Are you being served?'.
The old display units were glass-fronted & specialised. My favourite was the haberdasher that is turning 200 next year & continues to be run by the same family. It consists of a large square floorplan with entrance stairs on either side and walls lined with glass-fronted drawers & shelves. A counter wraps around in a U-shape where you point & discuss your purchases with the sales assistants. Once decided, weighed, measured & cut, a receipt is written & taken to the cashier cubicle for payment. Fantastic!
Things for sale: ribbons, beads, thread, zippers, buttons, elastic, swing machine parts, needles & pins, tape measures, pens, fabric flowers, decorations, charms, yarn & knitting needles.