epicureanism

During the 4th century BC, the Stoics, Epicurians, Praxagoras and Diocles all nominated the heart, while Strato placed the seat of the soul between the eyebrows.

It is that philosophy which creates a raison d'etre for most specialty stores, which by definition specialize in not just the basic appliance or cookware piece, but in all the gadgets, gee-gaws, and doo dads that appeal to established and wannabe epicurians. As a result, specialty retailers increasingly focus their merchandising efforts not solely on products, but on activities, such as breed or pasta making, coffee klatching or afternoon teas.