A shopkeeper is a person who owns or runs a small store. The shopkeeper at your local bookstore might greet you by name, recommend new titles, and ring up your purchases at the register. The shopkeeper at a corner grocery knows which customers prefer which brands and keeps those items stocked on the shelves.

Shopkeepers typically work in smaller, independent businesses rather than large chain stores. They often know their customers personally and take pride in their shop's reputation. A shopkeeper might open the store early each morning, arrange merchandise, help customers find what they need, handle money, and lock up at night.

Today, while many stores are part of large corporations with hired managers, shopkeepers still exist in communities everywhere, running bakeries, hardware stores, gift shops, and other small businesses. Being a shopkeeper requires knowing your products well, treating customers fairly, and managing all the details that keep a small business running smoothly.