"Located in the lobby of The New York Times Building, [Muji] is slightly larger than the SoHo store—and will carry about 2,500 products. In addition to that new store, [president Hiroyoshi] Azami is planning to open small outlets in New York airports beginning this year. He hopes to raise brand recognition nationally by exposing the brand to travelers from across the country." [Japan Today]

Surfer/bronzed god Laird Hamilton paddled around the Statue of Liberty yesterday to promote his new Steve & Barry’s menswear collection Wonderwall. Gothamist has a whole photo gallery of the insane feat. [Gothamist]

Shanghai Tang's new Madison Avenue flagship had its launch party last night. "Guests...came in for a sneak peek at an ST outpost that's smaller and more focused than the ambitious, multilevel one that crashed and burned a few blocks up the street a decade ago. The brand has been working to reinvent itself with fresh talent: They've poached a print designer from Kenzo, and recently enlisted Lanvin alum Joseph Li to take the lead on ready-to-wear for Spring 2009." [Style File]

LA residents got their first crack at the Rogan for Target collection last night at Barneys. And just like in New York, the crowds went wild. "Last night, from 6pm-8pm, celebs, press, models, designers (including collection designer Rogan Gregory) and many, many regular folks came, they shopped, they drank lots of champagne, which probably made them shop more. Whitney Port looked like she was on a shopping mission; Tracee Ellis Ross was actually at the register paying for stuff; Becki Newton was enamored by some very adorable separates; Mena Suvari came wearing the line. Tons of other famous peeps were there, too: Rachel Bilson, Joy Bryant, Marcia Cross, Felicity Huffman, Gabrielle Union, Vanessa Marcil and others." [Racked LA]

From the Racked Mailbag: "Just got back from the friends and family hour at A.P.C. The sale is really good for men and women. Lots of jackets, dresses, sweaters, tops, and tons of good magasin general stuff (t-shirts, tote bags, etc). wasn’t too crazy when we were there but a line was forming outside for the noon opening. Prices are good (dresses 50$ shirts $40 etc.) GO!" [Racked Inbox]

Not content to cede any more territory to the iPhone, Research In Motion has decided to go head to head with Apple with a new touchscreen Blackberry. The phone, codenamed Thunder, should be released sometime between July and September. [Silicon Alley Insider]

Toys R Us' line of recycled totebags made from Barbie clothing remnants is now available. Sold exclusively in the Barbie aisle, the patchwork bags and small accessories are designed to prove that "Barbie is always a reflection of current cultural trends and issues, and girls are increasingly aware of making a green statement." It sounds like Barbie is feeling guilty about her former pairings with M.A.C and Patricia Field. [Ecorazzi]

Beauty product company Korres has opened their second New York City store in Brooklyn Heights. "The company’s products are inspired by nature, and fruits, woods and traditional Greek foods—like honey and yogurt—show up in most of the products." [Brooklyn Paper]

If you're interested in purchasing some of Marek Cecula's beautiful and sleek ceramics, currently 50% off at Mxyplyzyk, a warning: the store's already sold out. They're trying to rush the next shipment, but in the meantime the best thing to do is call and leave your name and the pieces you're interested in. [NY Times]

"How to sell your hair for cash." Just an fyi. [Smart Spending via Consumerist]