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There's always been something special about a new store or prototype. Whether it's the grand opening, the throngs of shoppers at the registers, or the well-stocked shelves. A new store often reflects the future direction of a retailer's strategy as well as the latest product and consumer trends. It generates unparalleled excitement among company associates, vendors, analysts and consumers.

In recent months, several new stores and prototypes have debuted that will define industry trends for the foreseeable future. Here's a list of 10 such examples of stores worth a visit:

* Wal-Mart--Tampa, Fla.: This 99,000-square-foot supercenter may become the key prototype for Wal-Mart's expansion over the next 10 years. This format combines the convenience of Neighborhood Market with the selection of a larger supercenter creating an ideal size that maximizes sales per square foot and can be located in urban areas.

* Wal-Mart--Port St. Lucie, Fla.: This new traditional size supercenter boasts the newest bells and whistles that Wal-Mart has introduced and also exemplifies just how the one-stop shopping concept has evolved since its Hypermart USA opened in Garland, Tex. in 1988. Wal-Mart has eliminated the clutter of ceiling banners and aisle bins and incorporated more style and focus with its wood floors and new blue aisle signage.

* JCPenney--Dallas: Realizing the decline in mall traffic, this traditional mall anchor created a freestanding format that could be the key to its future growth.

* Sears Grand--West Jordan, Utah: Similarly, Sears created an off-mall format that underscores its strategy to drive traffic and compete more aggressively with other big box formats.

* Mexx--New York: This Liz Claiborne concept reflects once again the huge opportunity for stylish "cheap chic" apparel, which Target has perpetuated and H&M has exploited.

* Target--Howell, N.J.: The upscale discounter continues to evolve its lifestyle design approach with more departments for its exclusive design labels as well as expanded food and consumables.

* Long's--Sunnyvale, Calif.: Dubbed "Total Visual Appeal," Long's developed a new look that focuses on a more customer-friendly, upscale environment with wider aisles, brighter signs and featured departments.

* Acme--Clifton, NJ: This "neighborhood" store is a bright, shiny and "new" version of a mid-sized Acme supermarket, a division of Albertson's. Located in strip center, about 20 miles from New York City, it represents the type of urban market nationwide that will offer more growth opportunities for retailers.

* Walgreens--Corpus Christi, Tex.: With its expanded Hispanic product mix, this test store, featured on the cover of its 2003 Annual Report, is an example of micro-marketing and the drug chain's long-term commitment to this strategy.

* Crate & Barrel--Paramus, NJ: This home goods retailer continues to set the standard for merchandising and innovation. The new store, which will open March 4 will be worth a visit as some new elements will likely be incorporated.

These are just a few examples of how "new stores" continue not only to redefine company strategies but also to address the ever-changing needs of today's consumer. A new store will reveal more about a company than you might think, if you take the time to analyze it.