Wallpaper* Retail Directory

The international fashion, design, and lifestyle magazine Wallpaper* will launch an online directory of the world’s best new stores tomorrow, featuring a variety of niche boutiques, the latest from global fashion houses, and other notable shopping destinations. The guide (which I’m assuming will read much like the Wallpaper* City Guides, i.e., informatively, simply, and pleasantly) will direct readers to the world’s best “revolutionary retail locations” to throw away their hard earned money, including places like opticians and patisseries. I think these locations were judged on their overall design as well as their offerings, so you’ll probably find the guide to be visually inspiring as well as, uh, debt inspiring. It looks like the November issue of Wallpaper* will also include an edited-down version of the directory, so if you’d prefer to spend money on the “real thing” (or not, if you’re already a subscriber), feel free to hold out.