NORTH BEACH. Since 1946, this import shop has been mesmerizing folks with its array of polychromed ceramics. The fine Italian majolica is made in Renaissance style, full of elaborate detail and portraiture, and fans of it can't get enough. Frequent buying trips ensure that plenty of merchandise is kept on-hand, and you'll encounter everything from lidded jars to dinner services, plaques, and pitchers and goblets.

UNION SQUARE. Since 1952, Britex Fabrics has offered four floors of excellent fabrics and accessories from around the world. The first floor contains thousand of bolts of woolens and silks as well as couture and bridal laces. On the second floor you'll find cottons, linens, and home decor fabrics. The third floor offers miles of fabric remnants (at reduced prices), fake furs, and other fun fabrics. Finally, the fourth floor holds some 30,000 styles of notions, including antique buttons, handmade silk flowers, and home decor trims.

COW HOLLOW. The word "kozo" refers to the mulberry fiber that's used to make paper in Japan, and that tradition is carried on at this wonderful shop. Kozo Arts specializes in beautiful handmade and printed Japanese papers and notebooks, along with small boxes and art objects covered in lovely, artistic papers. Photo albums, cards, and invitations are among their stock.

UNION SQUARE. Scheuer Linens offers fine table and bed linens, towels, rugs, pillow covers, and more. The company's goods offer high thread count, gracious style, and detailing that ranges from simple to elaborate. Baby clothes and candles are also counted among the merchandise, which isn't cheap but is an investment in luxury. Brand names include Yves Delorme, Nancy Koltes, Anali, and Sferra. Quarterly sales bring terrific savings.