Technology has transformed many businesses, leaving traditional merchants scrambling to remain relevant. How do the lucky few stay afloat?
FUTURE SHOCK For travel agencies some changes to the traditional paper system seemed like the stuff of science fiction. “When they introduced e-tickets we had no clue how the airline would know that you had a paid reservation if you didn’t show them a ticket” travel agency owner Judy Tenenbaum says laughing at the memory. “You could merely show up at the airport and give them your name and they had your whole history. Mindboggling” (Photos: Miriam Hammer Family Krause Archives Family Ollech Archives Family Tenenbaum Archives)
N ot that long ago you’d visit a print shop to order invitations and make an appointment with a diamond dealer when it was time to purchase a stone. Not anymore. Four traditional businesses find their foothold in a world gone techie.
On 4-6 Mariahilfer Strasse in Vienna one of the best-loved shopping miles of the city a little shop window of slightly dusty charm informs visitors that a stone staircase in the backyard leads to the workshop of a master hatter.
The original sign hung by the firm’s founder Master Szaszi directs visitors to a world of elegant gentlemen’s hats of long-lost perfection. Current owner and master hat-maker Mr. Shmuel Yechiel Shapira stands regally behind his counter a chassidic hat on his head and an old-fashioned work apron covering his clothes happy to share the story of his business.
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