Can you ever just walk past Nikaido in Steveston?

I would say "no."

What is it about Nikaido's window displays that seems to draw you in, root you to the spot, and transport you to ... elsewhere.

May be it's their maps of Paris, or books on London, or - your childhood favourite - adventure books of Tin Tin by Georges Remi.

May be it's the way they artfully arrange things in clean zen-like simplicity.



Or cluster objects of monochromatic colours to make you think of similarities instead of differences and harmony instead of contrast.



Or prop up whimsical posters like this one of a lady trying to escape the winter chills with seven pots of tea.



Whatever their formula is for this arresting experience, I can tell you that it works.

Just look around you the next time you find yourself gawking into Nikaido's windows. I did. And this was what I saw...