shopping: readers’ piCKs
VIDEO GAME STORE GOLD: GAMESTOP
Multiple locations, gamestop.com
The staff is friendly, voters said. There are tons of used and new games at “absolutely unbeatable” prices, and when a new game is released, stores open at midnight so you’ll be the first to play it. What’s not to like? SILVER: ENTERTAINMART BRONZE: BEST BUY
WOMEN’S FASHION GOLD: KOHL’S
4910 N. Nevada Ave., 531-5099; 3110 N. Powers Blvd., 637-0214; 2725 Janitell Road, 527-0610; kohls.com
If you need a special outfit, this is one-stop shopping. There are racks of cute tops, flattering pants, jewelry, shoes and virtually everything to make you shine. “Beautiful clothes, always a discount or sale,” one voter said. “Easy returns, although I’ve never returned anything. Very pleasant employees.” SILVER: EVE’S REVOLUTION BRONZE: TERRA VERDE
MEN’S FASHION GOLD: KOHL’S
4910 N. Nevada Ave., 531-5099; 3110 N. Powers Blvd., 637-0214; 2725 Janitell Road, 527-0610; kohls.com
He’ll go in looking like a pauper and come out looking like a king. Voters said that men, teens and boys alike will find just the right brand of shirts, sweaters, pants and shoes at Kohl’s. SILVER: DILLARD’S BRONZE: GENTLEMEN’S CHOICE TUXEDOS
EYEGLASSES
GOLD: ABBA EYE CARE Multiple locations, abbaeyecare.com
The right pair of glasses can make or break your look. ABBA has the latest frames, voters said, and friendly, knowledgeable staff to help you decide. “Their insurance department is great.” SILVER: LENSCRAFTERS BRONZE: VISIONWORKS
toy store: LittLe riCHArD’s toy store JeFF KeArNey
FARMERS MARKET GOLD: BANCROFT PARK IN OLD COLORADO CITY 2408 W. Colorado Ave.
It’s a Saturday morning ritual to head to Bancroft Park and peruse the green chilies, fresh fruit, vegetables, spices, crafts and other indispensable stuff. As one voter said, “Yes, it’s crowded and parking is a challenge, but it’s such an epicurean and olfactory delight. And the people watching is super.” SILVER: THE MARGARITA AT PINECREEK BRONZE: SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET
TOY STORE
795 Citadel Drive East, 637-8282; 1565 Briargate Blvd., 266-9960; barnesandnoble.com
320-324 1/2 N. Tejon St., 578-5549, poorrichardsdowntown.com
The last of the great chain bookstores still holds its charm for voters. The staff helps curious readers out and orders anything that isn’t available in the store. There’s also a “great area for kids.” SILVER: POOR RICHARD’S BOOKSTORE BRONZE: HOOKED ON BOOKS
GOLD: LITTLE RICHARD’S TOY STORE Poor Richard’s is how you eventually get your kid into Harvard. The store’s intention: classic, whimsical and educational toys that foster creativity. “It has so many hard-to-find items and its toys are high quality.” SILVER: TOY STATION AT SCHOOL CROSSING BRONZE: TOYS R US
LIQUOR STORE
NEW CAR DEALER
1105 N. Circle Drive, 574-2244, cheersliquormart.com
Multiple locations, phillong.com
Not only are there price tags you won’t swear at, there also are good sales. There’s an admirable wine, beer and liquor selection, and the employees are always helpful.
The word “honest” was used repeatedly to describe the folks at Phil Long. Also, reliable and attentive. The staff made the most challenging part of the process — the financing — a pleasant experience, voters said. “The finance manager is so informed, helpful and friendly. Makes you feel comfortable from the start.”
GOLD: CHEERS LIQUOR MART
SILVER: POWERS LIQUOR MART BRONZE: VETERANS LIQUOR
GOLD: NEVADA AUTO SALES
934 S. Nevada Ave., 635-2533, crazyhermanonline.com
You need some transportation, and you need it now. Voters said they go here, where people are fair and honest and have the best selection of vehicles, old and new. SILVER: STREET SMART AUTO BROKERS BRONZE: PHIL LONG DEALERSHIPS
HARDWARE STORE GOLD: ACE
BOOK STORE
GOLD: BARNES & NOBLE
USED CAR DEALER
GOLD: PHIL LONG DEALERSHIPS
SILVER: HEUBERGER MOTORS BRONZE: AL SERRA
104 I BEST OF THE SPRINGS I 2013 I THE GazETTE
Multiple locations, acehardware.com
Ace Hardware often wins, and the comments are always about the excellent customer service you receive. That, and all the “stuff and doo-dads you can get nowhere else.” One voter said it’s the best place to find parts for a house built in the 1950s. Ace also gives police, fire and military discounts. SILVER: LOWE’S BRONZE: THE HOME DEPOT
JEWELER
GOLD: LUISA GRAFF JEWELERS 5901 N. Nevada Ave., 260-0100, luisagraffjewelers.com
Whenever a ring is called for, this is where voters head. The family-owned jewelry store consistently wins for its designs, service and knowledge of the stock. The sales staff caters to your needs and ensures whoever it is says, “Yes.” SILVER: ZERBE JEWELERS BRONZE: JARED THE GALLERIA OF JEWELRY