In an age of Amazon, of big-box behemoths and, soon, of drones that will plop packages, stork-like, on doorsteps, Philadelphia Magazine compiled a list of the best independent boutiques that are redefining the shopping experience.

Bryn Mawr’s Knit Wit and Skirt were two of the 50 recognized.

The best stores are breathing new life into our neighborhoods and changing the way we spend our money, writes Emily Goulet.

According to Goulet, in this era of faceless online ordering, the theater of retail can intrigue us, transport us, make us want to stay for a while.

Located at 905 West Lancaster Avenue, Ann Gitter’s Knit Wit is a pioneer of indie retail. “It has managed to stay relevant after more than 50 years in the business with a dependable mix of pieces that check one of two boxes: enduring staple or envelope-pushing wardrobe star,” writes Goulet.

The interior features wood floors, white walls, simple racks, exposed brick, and the occasional antique detail.

A few doors down from Knit Wit, at 931 West Lancaster Avenue, Skirt is “a cheery sanctuary with dashes of chevron, splashes of shell pink, expanses of white lacquer, and gleaming gold fixtures,” writes Goulet.

Maureen Doron has a knack for knowing exactly what women want to wear, and she gets it right every time, tailoring the mix to her clientele with scientific precision.

Eaves, Valley Forge Flowers, and Waltzing Matilda in Wayne also made the list.

Eaves is a women’s clothing and accessory store, Valley Forge Flowers boasts two buildings for gift-hunters, and Waltzing Matilda sells authentic, handmade leather goods constructed in the U.S. using the finest locally sourced materials.

Click here to read more about the shops that made Philadelphia Magazine’s Top 50.