The name ‘Periptero’ emerged during one of Domenico Mazzocchetti’s journeys to Greece, referring to the kiosks scattered throughout the city, serving as hubs for locals and tourists
Periptero, an idea that had been germinating within Domenico Mazzocchetti’s mind for several years, finally materialized this year. The concept of a store like Periptero had always held a place in his heart – a desire to create a space where he could share his passion for books, magazines, and design products with others. However, due to various circumstances, the realization of this dream had been perpetually postponed. It wasn’t until Mai 2023 that Domenico Mazzocchetti could grant the opportunity to turn his vision into reality and officially open Periptero.
The origin of the Periptero, a new destination in Bologna
The name ‘Periptero’ emerged during one of Domenico Mazzocchetti’s journeys to Greece, while he was wandering through the streets of Athens. He couldn’t help but notice the kiosks scattered throughout the city, serving as hubs for visitors. These small establishments offer an assortment of goods, ranging from newspapers and daily essentials to toys, beverages, and sweets.
These kiosks became landmarks within the neighborhoods, embodying a sense of community. Inspired by this concept, Domenico sought to create a store in Bologna that would similarly cater to various needs. Finally, in September 2022, the perfect location was found. As Domenico Mazzocchetti entered the space, he was greeted by an unexpected sight: a (fake) Greek column gracing the interior. It was at that moment that the name ‘Periptero’ truly came to life, symbolizing the fusion of Greek kiosks’ influence and the nature of his store.
As for the team behind Periptero, it consists of one dedicated individual. Domenico himself. With passion and determination, he assumes multiple roles, striving to create an experience for each customer who enters Periptero.
Periptero: a collection for diverse tastes and a space for responsible consumption
Periptero presents an array of offerings that cater to diverse needs and interests. Within its walls, visitors will discover an assortment of design objects curated for the home, as well as a selection of stationery that tells stories of its own.
Periptero’s collection includes an array of personal items, such as perfumes, creams, and soaps, all chosen to enhance one’s individual care routine. Another corner within Periptero proposes a comfort food section. Currently offering an assortment of candies, the store’s future plans include expanding this section to feature a selection of teas and chocolates. Periptero also showcases a range of items spanning from backpacks to watches, lamps, chairs, and an array of gift papers. Additionally, a corner within the store is dedicated to a curated stock of magazines and books.
Delving deeper into Domenico Mazzocchetti’s vision for Periptero, one will discover his choice to embrace smaller, niche brands. The owner explains: «I take care of the product selection all by myself. I chose products by Ego Undesign, which have replicated Achille Castiglioni’s final project using a 3D printer. Another brand featured at Periptero is Kaweco, specializing in fountain pens».
His desire was to bring to Bologna a range of brands that were yet to make their mark in the local market. One such addition is Parco 1923, a company dedicated to producing perfumes and cosmetics infused with the essence of flowers and plants sourced from the Abruzzo National Park. Notably, a portion of their proceeds is donated to the preservation and protection of the natural park. Periptero’s offer ensures that every visit involves commitment to responsible consumption.
A selection of magazines and books at Periptero
The stock of magazines and books at Periptero reflects Domenico Mazzocchetti’s personal interests. Guided by his own passions, he curated publications centered around topics such as interior design, architecture, photography, travel, fashion, and lifestyle.
The owner of Periptero also sought the assistance of an English distributor, whose guidance ensured the inclusion of magazines and books that may have initially been unfamiliar to him. This approach further enhances the diversity of the collection, incorporating perspectives that contribute to the variety of the reading materials available at Periptero. Moreover, Periptero is willing to accommodate requests for publications that may not be readily available in store, ensuring a diverse range of reading material which can be sourced upon request.
Exploring the unconventional: Periptero’s collection of niche and queer publications
Periptero houses a selection of magazines that encompasses a range of different titles. Among the main offerings are Design Anthology, Openhouse, Apartamento, Cartography, Butt, Kink, Fluffer and Courier. Domenico Mazzocchetti is always seeking out unconventional publications. He explains: «Recently, an independent magazine fair (Mag to Mag) took place in Bologna, offering me a ground to explore and establish connections with emerging issues».
This pursuit of focusing on foreign niche publications, often showing queer traits, exemplifies Domenico Mazzocchetti’s dedication to presenting his customers with distinctive reading materials. «Such queer magazines are not easy to find in a town like Bologna» affirms Periptero’s owner. «I wish Periptero would represent a trusted locally based reference point for people interested in queer publications as well».
The clientele of Periptero primarily consists of residents, although it extends beyond this demographic. The dynamic and multicultural nature of Bologna, combined with the store’s location, attracts a portion of customers from diverse national backgrounds. This international surrounding has fostered Periptero’s expansion in providing a diverse range of foreign press. He affirms: «Having the vast majority of magazines in English and addressing the public in English hasn’t been an issue».
Periptero’s target customers
The target audience the store aims to address consists of local residents. The store’s potential is rooted in the niche that has prevailed in Bologna thus far, coinciding with the city’s period of rapid expansion.
Periptero’s goal was to introduce something visually captivating to Bologna, sharing the proprietor’s interests with any kind of customers. This includes those who possess a deep appreciation for design and seek out products from various corners of the globe. Additionally, the store also caters to tourists who are in search of an authentic memento from their visit to Italy, offering them the opportunity to take home a genuine piece of the country. He explains: «Over the past years, Bologna has experienced an upsurge in interest, attracting a constant influx of tourists on a daily basis».
Choosing a bookstore over buying online: the offer of independent publications
When it comes to making purchases, engaging with a small, independent establishment offers an interaction. It entails fostering a direct and personal connection with the people working there, creating an opportunity for the exchange of opinions, valuable advice, or even the simple pleasure of having unhurried conversations.
«From my perspective, following the Covid health emergency, there appears to be a widespread longing for the revival of human connections, where individuals can once again engage in face to face interactions, engage in meaningful conversations and partake in genuine sharing experiences».
Such interactions deviate from the customary mechanical transactions experienced within larger chain stores, providing a more authentic experience. As he said: «Fostering human connections holds great significance for me». In Domenico Mazzocchetti’s perspective, it is these interactions that truly set their store apart and create an experience for visitors.
The challenging aspects of working as self-employed in Italy
For Domenico Mazzocchetti, engaging in self-employment and working in a store like Periptero presented a myriad of gratifying experiences. He could grant the opportunity to unleash creativity across all aspects of the enterprise, making choices that align with his vision. From curating a diverse range of merchandise that speaks to one’s discerning taste to shaping the store’s aesthetic, no compromise needed to be made.
However, the challenge of navigating the web of Italian bureaucracy emerged as an undeniable hurdle for him. He mentioned: «The nature of administrative processes demands an unwavering commitment to precision and dedication to organization». Moreover, when discussing the difficulties of a store like Periptero in today’s economy, Domenico Mazzocchetti shares that two main challenges still persist: «The obstacles of exorbitant operating costs and the ongoing struggle to obtain transparent information regarding bureaucratic procedures are complicated issues».
Periptero: discovering the essence of Via Rialto
Via Rialto captivated the attention of Domenico Mazzocchetti. After spending years hanging out in its atmosphere, he managed to establish his own presence there with Periptero. The street is known as the gateway to the Margherita gardens and is also a commercial thoroughfare. Nevertheless, it sets itself apart from chain stores, offering a different shopping experience.
«Via Rialto is a very lively street that has grown a lot in recent years», explains the shop owner. Intrigued by the multitude of businesses that adorn the landscape of Via Rialto, Domenico Mazzocchetti has discovered an array of establishments that resonate with his personal interests: «There are many small realities akin to my taste. Several secondhand stores like Armadi con Vista, Folks, Split; Rialto Studio, which is a reference point for quality cinema in Bologna; places offering culinary delights, like Fram, Tricheco, Rude or L’atelier; workshops, like Bifranci ceramica».
The need for a space like Periptero in Bologna
In the city of Bologna, one can find a handful of activities that bear some resemblance to Periptero. However, when it comes to encompassing a wide range of offerings in one place, none quite compare to the blend found at Periptero, providing a selection of magazines, design items and comfort food in a single location. The owner mentioned: «Going around in my travels to cities all over Europe I always saw these small stores with a little bit of everything inside, sometimes even cafeteria corners. And every time I came back to Bologna I said: my city really lacks such a place. So, I decided not to wait for someone else to fulfill this need of mine, and I did it myself».
The future of Periptero
Domenico Mazzocchetti holds a hopeful vision for the future of Periptero, aiming at expanding its location, always in Bologna. His aspiration includes the creation of a dedicated space that also provides the opportunity to host intimate events such as presentations and exhibitions. Additionally, he aspires at the construction of a coffee corner, inviting visitors to relax, peruse magazines, engage in conversations, fostering the atmosphere of a living room environment. He explains: «Considering the vibrant creative fabric of Bologna, this city emerges as a promising candidate to embrace the realization of such a dynamic concept».
Periptero, Bologna
Periptero is a multifaceted store located in Via Rialto 30/A in the city of Bologna Italy, offering a selection of different products, from magazines to design items to small delicacies.
