Hardware store - Due to a wise taxation system, small businesses are strongly encouraged, while large corporations are heavily taxed. This results in most goods being bought by the local, family-run shops rather than mega malls or Walmarts.These tiny stores often had a vast assortment of goods and even more squirreled away in the cellers, cantinas and back rooms. By the way, doors and window shutters in Italy are green. I'm not sure why: they just are. Therefore, door knockers and handles are always presented on a green background.