Marcus Stanley Knihy

Who better to know what is “the best” than the man who made Neiman Marcus synonymous with excellence for more than fifty years? The sequel to Minding the Store , Quest for the Best outlines Marcus’s philosophy of what constitutes the best in goods and services and how to receive it. Marcus describes how increased labor costs and the disappearance of family-owned businesses into the pockets of corporate giants have led to an institutionalized indifference to quality. “I have observed,” he writes, “that when you talk with an independent fine-quality maker, he speaks with pride about his product; when you talk with the chairman of a large corporation, he refers with pride to its net profit and balance sheet.”Quest for the Best is not just a nostalgic look, however, at the age of handcrafted elegance. Marcus gives good advice on how consumers can educate themselves about the best, demand it, and get it. He describes his own experiences with the best in chapters such as “The Things You Love to Touch,” and “Bed and Board.” Witty, urbane, but always accessible, Marcus is a joy to read.This paperback edition features a new Preface and updated “Best Things List” that readers will want to copy and carry with them.Originally published in 1979, Quest for the Best is more timely now than ever.

“‘There is never a good sale for Neiman Marcus unless it’s a good buy for the customer.’ That was one of the first declarations of business philosophy I heard my father, Herbert Marcus, make soon after I came to work at Neiman Marcus in 1926.” Thus began the 1974 edition of Minding the Store . Reprinted in hardcover in 1997 to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Neiman Marcus, it is now available for the first time in paperback.Mr. Marcus spent most of his life not only in helping to create a retailing enterprise renowned throughout the world as the epitome of quality, but also in setting high standards for the level of taste of all who desire “the better things in life.” In doing so he has played a key role in making Dallas itself a success. “Mr. Stanley,” as he was affectionately called by all his Neiman Marcus friends and associates, made The Store a legendary success.Although he retired from active involvement in Neiman Marcus in 1977, the influences of the philosophies of business he developed remained an important part of the training of Neiman Marcus personnel. Those basic principles—best exemplified by his belief in his father’s business philosophy—are the reasons Neiman Marcus is today recognized as the taste leader of American retailing.Minding the Store is a warm portrait of a man and an exuberant celebration of the store that has become the best-known landmark in Texas since the Alamo.

Stanley Marcus shares his insightful perspectives on a wide range of topics, including dieting, gardening, and sports, showcasing his unique blend of wisdom and humor. His reflections also touch on themes like nonconformity and phobias, revealing his ability to connect seemingly unrelated subjects. Known for his commitment to quality, Marcus's musings offer readers a thoughtful exploration of everyday life and its quirks.

Designed for versatility, this laboratory manual complements any general chemistry textbook, making it suitable for courses focused on qualitative analysis or organic chemistry. It provides essential guidelines and experiments that enhance the learning experience, ensuring students gain practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.