Once again we at Forbes.com take up the challenging task of picking our favorite stores around the world. Of course, at a certain level, the comparison of superlatives becomes pointless, like comparing rainbows or two world-class Bordeaux, because they are all sublime. Inevitably, if forced to make a choice, subjectivity colors the outcome.

That is the position in which we find ourselves. We feel like Paris having to choose between Aphrodite, Athena and Hera: It is easy to declare a winner but almost impossible to decide which one. So, we went with our gut. Which shops have the finest merchandise, the most helpful staff, the most elegant surroundings? This may not be the most scientific approach in the world but it would be inappropriate to reduce to quantitative analysis such factors as the veneer with which time has embellished a tailor shop or the smell that overwhelms our sensory olfactory neurons when we enter a cheesemonger's.

The point of this preamble is both to defend our choices and to assuage the egos of owners and clients who feel slighted that we did not choose their favorite establishments. We are fortunate in that we have had the opportunity to observe first-hand those places, and many more besides, that we have included in this year's round up. However, we welcome new suggestions and are willing to withstand withering criticism, so please feel free to let us know how you feel.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list; we did not include every category of store, shop, emporia or marketplace because that would necessitate a list that would resemble, when printed out, the telephone book of a small town, and we don't think our readers have the patience, nor we the resources, to create such a document.

Last, the most important aspect of this list is that every single shop cited is indeed superlative. Readers may feel that other shops deserve to be on the list just as much, but we are confident in recommending each and every one here, and know that anyone who visits them, whether looking for beautiful cut crystal or a Tang dynasty horse, will be richly rewarded for his efforts.

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To those who scoff at the idea that New Yorkers do not truly appreciate good cheese, we merely point to the Ideal Cheese Shop. Located near the United Nations building, there is a constant stream of both New Yorkers and non-New Yorkers walking in cheeseless and walking out with  grocery  bags  full of  such