Best of Boston

2015 Best Shopkeeper, The Soothsayer

Paul Niski, Good

Niski—with his calming aura and purring voice—is the rare store owner, along with partner Kate Brizius, who isn’t about the sale; instead, he aims to make his Beacon Hill gift store approachable for budgeters and spendier shoppers alike. Years spent as a creative director in retail soured him on the mechanical “Can I help you?” approach. Instead, he lets guests browse; never, ever talks a shopper into an impulse buy; and intuitively appears at a customer’s side when they seem lost. Good, indeed.

133 Charles St., Boston, 617-722-9200, shopatgood.com