From Philly to Paris, the Best Store Openings of 2008
 
By Karen Day, Sarah Moroz, & Xiyin Tang
In a year clouded with closings, foldings, lay-offs, and mergers, we're extra-glad that these innovative boutiques braved the odds and struck out on their own. Whether it's New York darling Steven Alan bringing his cool, classic goods to sunny Cali or beloved Swedish line Acne opening up their first U.S outpost, 2008 was a year for new beginnings despite the less-than-hot economic condition. Below, we've gathered the finest new boutiques so that you can put your hard-earned, cleverly saved pennies to good use.
 

Philadelphia-Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction__Named after the canonical Walter Benjamin essay in what is perhaps an ironic nod to the bygone era of careful craftsmanship, owner Steven Grasse's boutique is both a fighting cry and artistic inspiration. With its dark wood floors and exposed brick walls, Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction houses both works from their own in-house design collective as well as items from local Pennsylvania artisans, alongside custom wallpaper, stationary, and housewares.__Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, 116 North 3rd Street; 215-922-2600; www.artintheage.com.