Girl sees [noun] online. She pays $[amount] for rush shipping. Item arrives and is too [adjective]. Girl pays $[amount] for return shipping and feels [negative adjective].

Break out of the costly e-tail cycle and mosey over to one of our favorite brick-and-mortars of 2012.

Swankiest Take on an International Chain: Topshop Showroom

Shopkeeper We’d Most Like to Lunch With: Chay Wike

Best In-State Transplant: General Store

Most Detail Oriented: Dream Collective

Master of Simplicity: Clare Vivier

Best Offshoot of a Staple: Satine Convenience Store

Nerdiest Indulgence for an Outfitted Desk: Poketo

Strongest Antidote to the Midweek Slump: Weekend Lovers

Most like Etsy in Real Life: Otherwild Goods & Services

Shop on.

Photo: Courtesy of Poketo