Street vendors are a common sight in cities across the world.
Known as klek shops, these basement shops are unique to the city of Sofia.
This is why they are known as klek shopsklek means knee.
Klek shop owners were some of Bulgarias first entrepreneurs after the fall of communism more than twenty years ago.
Basements were turned into small shops, catering the passing citizens for drinks, snacks, alcohol and cigarettes.
Colorful, glass-covered shelves around the window show what the shop has to offer.
Sometimes, instead of the actual wares, pictures are displayed.
Some klek shops even did shoe repair and other kinds of service-oriented businesses.
Many shops remain open till late at night and sometimes even 24/7.
Unfortunately, klek shops are slowly disappearing with the time.
All photographs courtesy ofsograph/Flickr
Sources:Popupcity/Bulgaria Observed
