Stores for the Obama generation

I'm still trying to avoid politics on this blog (hard as that's getting) but I can at least do the business angle, can't I? So my question of the day is: After the "politics of hope" sweeps into the White House, what will the "business of hope" look like? One of the benefits of being in New York this year is that I can see stuff before it's old. So here goes.

First off, there's the Japanese mini-department store Muji, which opened its first US store in Soho. How to describe it? The best way to start is this picture.

If this picture makes you horny, this is the store for you.

Here's the company's manifesto:

Because there is complexity in purity. Elegance in plainness. Intricacy in streamlining. Richness in reduction. Depth in minimalism. Surprise in uniformity. Innovation in re-use. Cool in the avoidance of cool. And there is true sophistication in simplicity.

Whatever.  But hey, it seems to be working. The NYT's Critical Shopper was ecstatic:

I watched a woman, with three of these [plastic document shelves] under her arms, pleading with a store clerk to hold on to them while she dived in for others. She had manic look on her face. She seemed to know that these shelves, like futons in the ’90s, are going to show up soon in the apartment of every New Yorker, and she was going to be the first to have them, even if it killed her.

I bought a bunch of stuff I didn't need, fighting people who were smaller and weaker than me to get to the modular pen and pencil assemblies and file storage. Somehow, by an almost physical act of will, I resisted the crumply tee shirts, which are sold in cute little blocks.

Moving on, tonight we went to New York's first Red Mango, in Greenwich Village (there are about eight more open in the US, with several more coming soon). Here's a review. And of course the My Space page, which says:

Founded over five years ago in South Korea, Red Mango is a pioneer of the tart, healthy frozen yogurt trend that’s sweeping the nation. Red Mango combines indulgently flavorful, authentic nonfat frozen yogurt with fresh and exciting toppings. The result is a delicious, one-of-a-kind sensation that enhances good health and well-being, served in a comfortable and stylish environment. Red Mango brings the coffee house experience to the world of yogurt, providing the perfect escape for today’s active, health-conscious consumer. So much more than a dessert, Red Mango is a modern, delightfully sweet and tangy confection that’s not only good, but good for you.

The My Space page also offers Red Mango's Details:

Status: Single; Here for: Networking, Dating, Serious Relationships, Friends; Hometown: Los Angeles, CA; Body type: Athletic; Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius; Smoke / Drink: No / No; Occupation: Authentic Frozen Yogurt

The setting is Norwegian Wood (isn't it good). There were two flavors: original and green tea. A small has zero fat and 90 calories. There are many toppings – I had banana and granola. The result was tasty, refreshing and satisfying, and completely guilt-free. By the time we left, I was actually about five years younger, and ready to run a marathon and vote Democratic.

As I see it, these are the vanguard of the Next Big Thing in business. I'm not sure yet exactly what "this" is, but check out the links above and if you figure it out, get in on it fast.