Tell Us: Which New Store Deserves a Racked Award?

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Next month brings the third annual Racked Awards, and while our gala does not include Joan Rivers or the Fashion Police, it does include you, our readers. This is the first time we're anointing Boston retailers "best of" in eight different categories, three of which you'll vote on here with the other five determined by Racked's editorial team. The local winners, along with a full nationwide roster of champs, will be announced on Thursday, October 10, in tandem with a party in NYC. Prepare to lobby for your favorites in the battle for Best New Store, Best Menswear, and So Hot Right Now. Who will be first to win our Golden Turban award?

Today we're questioning you on Best New Store, with a candidate list combining buzzy New York imports, large national brands, and a couple homegrown niche retailers. (Keep in mind that a couple more recent additions to Boston's shopping scene have been plugged into upcoming categories.)

Some of Boston's more notable openings this year included distinctive New York designers like Alexis Bittar and John Varvatos, while a couple more have some deep Massachusetts roots, such as The Frye Company and The Vans DQM General. Though not always the trendiest destinations, both Nordstrom Rack and Restoration Hardware had spotlights shining on them this spring, though not always in the best of light. On the other side of that coin, extremely trendy budding retailers Steven Alan and Warby Parker have also made our list. Finally, we believe niche boutiques Caramelo Clothing Co. for men's goods and Follain for natural beauty products both deserve some attention.

Poll closes in 24 hours! (Thursday, September 19, at 11:30am.)