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UPDATE: The Tannery, a high-end clothing shop, is slotted to open at 711 Boylston sometime in 2009. Restoration Hardware unfortunately closed its doors in the Back Bay on May 17, 2008. However, the Restoration Hardware location in the Atrium Mall remains open.

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At the finish line of the famed Boston Marathon, Boston Marathon specializes in running shoes, clothing, energy packs, socks, and other items runners need. The store carries short and long distance running gear, and is a great source of runner's information. Specialty items include non-moisture socks, chest guards for guys, and other essentials. Every year the store has a countdown for the Marathon.

Despite being owned by a vast department store conglomerate, Lord & Taylor has managed to maintain some of its gritty Old Bostonian character as the neighborhood goes ever more upscale. Fully stocked in attire and accessories for men and women, Lord and Taylor's prices are reasonable (especially when compared to its neighboring competitors, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue), and most of the clothes are made by quality American designers. A great option for formal dresses that will break hearts but not your bank account. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Public restroom available in the store.

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Three stories of pure sport, play, and athletic clothing for every level of athlete. Shoes, iPod gear, pants, shorts, t-shirts, and women's sport bras. The staff is friendly= but why not? They get to wear cool/comfy workout gear to work everyday. This store is g-r-e-a-t for athletes and comfort clothing-seekers alike. Runners.... they have a great program (normally Wednesday nights) for those wanting running partners. They pair people with their running ability and let them loose around Back Bay. Come rain or shine, and the best part.... it's free. Just bring your running shoes, and the want to run. NikeTown is located right around the corner from the Boston Marathon finish line off Boylston Street. The whole store is decked out with Boston sports memorabilia and lots of street signs from the marathon route. The store includes footwear for runners and non-runners alike. The store features an homage to the Boston Marathon, seats from the old Boston Garden and autographed shoes from Marathon champ Uta Pippig. Store Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10am-7pm
Sun: 12pm-6pm

Best Cellars sells smart wine for a reasonable price. If you know what kind of wine you like (white-sweet, bubbly, red-bold etc.) then they have a clearly labeled section for you. They often pair with restaurants for free samples and wine tastings. If you aren't' an avid wine follower, just ask the well-versed staff.

Verizon Wireless offers an exclusive phone recycling program - HopeLine - that uses wireless services and equipment to assist victims in emergency domestic violence situations. The donated phones are either refurbished, sold or recycled. Through the funds raised from the sale of the refurbished phones, Verizon Wireless will purchase wireless phones and donate airtime to victims of domestic violence through human services and law enforcement agencies.

French Connection's allegedly “casual Euro” clothing is like the Gap, but all grown up, imported, and emblazoned with pseudo-profanity (FCUK?). Duds for work and play include bright as well as classic colors and patterns, and fabrics ranging from cotton to cashmere. The sleek, urban-yet-cute lines come with $50-100+ pricetags, save for a few basic tees going for $20-30. The much smaller men's collection is less colorful and tends more toward the casual (shirts $50-60). Also at Boston:Copley Mall. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.