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BEST SUPERMARKET
GRAND VIEW MARKET PLACE KING SOOPERS
Sure, we love Whole Foods and Wild Oats, but if you're looking for low prices and an attractive, useful layout, you can't beat this King Soopers.

3250 Centennial Blvd., 866-6645

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READERS' CHOICE - BEST SUPERMARKET
KING SOOPERS
We agree. But we have a favorite King Soopers. See staff picks.

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BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE
MOUNTAIN CHALET
Here's an etiquette tip: If you really value having a local store with a staff that knows what it's talking about and a good selection of quality brands, do NOT go try on that new pair of telemark boots at Mountain Chalet and then buy them on the Internet. However tempting that might be. If you do, at least buy your new soft-shell and headlamp locally. Mmm'kay?

226 N. Tejon St., 633-0732; www.mtnchalet.com

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READERS' CHOICE - BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE
DICK’S SPORTING GOODS
It's big. And big is good. We're pretty sure there's not another place in the Springs to get a spray skirt, a bike pump, a new 5-iron, a 45-pound barbell, a lacrosse stick, a pingpong table ... and so on.
3133 Cinema Point, 638-3400; 1710 Briargate Blvd., 264-1810

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BEST LIQUOR STORE
POWERS LIQUOR MART
The huge selection coupled with a staff that knows its merlots as well as it knows bourbons would be reason enough to rank this among the best liquor stores in town. What puts it over the top is a great wine-tasting room, where weekend tastings regularly sell out.
5847 Palmer Park Blvd., 596-4700

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READERS' CHOICE - BEST LIQUOR STORE
CHEERS LIQUOR MART
For 25 years, Cheers has been developing a following. The secret of its success? It's not just that Cheers boasts 35,000 square feet of quality wines, beers and spirits. It's that when you wander cluelessly down the aisle of Aussie sauvignon blanc, a clerk will quickly guide you to the exact bottle you need for tonight's party.

1105 N. Circle Drive, 574-2244
Visit the website

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BEST PLACE TO BUY AN HDTV
LISTENUP
It's a big boy's candy store, with big screens on every vertical surface and speakers that cost more than most cars lined up on the floor. It's not the place to go if you're still struggling with setting the clock on your VCR (or, for that matter, if you still own a VCR), but it will set any videophile's heart aflutter and wallet smoking.

230 N. Tejon St., 633-2600
listenup.com

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BEST BIKE SHOP
CRITERIUM BICYCLES
Criterium has a huge selection and a knowledgeable staff, but what we really like about the store is how involved it is in the local cycling community. Plus, now that COSMIX is finally finished, you can get to the store in your car as well as on your bike.

6150 Corporate Drive, 599-0149; www.criterium-bicycles.com

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READERS' CHOICE - BEST BIKE SHOP
CRITERIUM
We agree. See staff picks.

6150 Corporate Drive, 599-0149;
www.criterium-bicycles.com

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BEST CD STORE
INDEPENDENT RECORDS & VIDEO
Independent is a throwback to a different era, a time when music store managers and clerks actually knew about the CDs they were selling. What a concept.
Four locations. beindependent.com

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READERS' CHOICE - BEST CD STORE
INDEPENDENT RECORDS & VIDEO
We agree. See staff picks.

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BEST VIDEO STORE/VIDEO GAME STORE
ENTERTAINMART
We're combining this category, since picking the best video store seems increasingly like selecting the best buggy whip store. In either case, it's hard to beat Entertainmart. Prices are good, new and used, the selection is large, there's a ton of movie posters if you're into that sort of thing and it's usually not impossible to get on an open console and try out a game. They don't do rentals, but browse the bargain bins and you can line your walls with DVDs to cherish forever for about the price of a rental. Entertainmart is a chain, but the only other two branches are in Texas and Missouri, so you don't have to feel like you're supporting the Borg.
651 N. Academy Blvd.
719-380-8580
entertainmart.net

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BEST HARDWARE STORE
UINTAH GARDENS ACE HARDWARE
Friendly help, aisles of widgets, doohickeys and thingamabobs and free popcorn in the back make this our favorite stop for washers, house numbers and spare keys. Did we mention the free popcorn in the back? Because it's free. And in the back.

1830B W. Uintah St., 227-7134
acehardware.com

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READERS' CHOICE - BEST SKI SHOP
COLORADO KITE & SKI
Kite & Ski has moved around a bit - from downtown to U.S. Highway 24 and now to Colorado Avenue - but what's remained consistent is the commitment to serious high- and middle-end ski and board gear. Owner and manager Stan Wolf makes you feel that every time you're in there, you're getting the deal of a lifetime.
2820 W. Colorado Ave., 633-6227
ckski.com

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READERS' CHOICE - BEST SNOWBOARD SHOP
COLORADO SKI & GOLF
You can get lost among the hot new multi-colored Romes, Burtons, Flows, Gnus, etc., and the prices are about the best you'll find in town.
2454 Montebello Square Drive, 268-9522
coloradoskiandgolf.com

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promenade shops at briargate
Whether window shopping or dropping real cash, the Promenade Shops at Briargate offer plenty of stores to choose from, such as Talbots, Banana Republic, Colorado Co-op and Gloss Denim Bar.

BEST SHOPPING CENTER
PROMENADE SHOPS AT BRIARGATE
When you want top of the line, that one-of-a-kind outfit or gift, head here. If it's a stroll-in-the-sunshine day, this is the place that makes window shoppers smile. And, compared with most local centers, this one's fairly dog-friendly.
1885 Briargate Parkway, 265-6264
thepromenadeshopsatbriargate.com

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READERS' CHOICE - BEST SHOPPING CENTER
PROMENADE SHOPS AT BRIARGATE
We agree. See staff picks.

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BEST ANTIQUES
ANTIQUE GALLERY
The gallery has moved from its Nevada Avenue location to a spot with more convenient parking. Inside, you'll find more than 50 dealers and 100 consignors, and you'll discover a huge variety of furniture, art, jewelry, sterling, clocks, linens and pottery. You can also bring your treasures here to sell.

117 S. Wahsatch Ave., 633-6070

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BEST SILENT AUCTION FIND
LUISA GRAFF’S SIGNATURE WATCH
The popular diamond jeweler probably can't count how many of her custom Swiss watches she has donated to support area nonprofits over the last eight years. For the fellows there's a diver's watch with timer and guy gadgets, and there's a dressier watch for women. Spot one on a wrist and you'll know it's worn by the high bidder at a nonprofit event.

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BEST PLACE TO FIND UNEXPECTED THINGS
CURRENT FACTORY OUTLET
Have all sorts of fun plowing through boxes of wrapping paper, party items, big boxes of cards, scrapbooking supplies and things from last season as you scoop up really great buys. You just might find you can't go home without the "Why I retired" T-shirt and the goofy coffee cup.

1025 E. Woodmen Road, 630-7446, currentfactoryoutlet.com

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READERS' CHOICE - BEST FLOWER SHOP
PLATTE FLORAL
The staff here knows how to put together arrangements that will wow your significant others and make less-than-significant others feel more significant than they are. Of course they deliver the flowers. They also carry an impressive line of patio furniture, fountains and related gifts.

1417 E. Platte Ave., 632-2607, plattefloral.com

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the gazette file
Marie Marques prepared a doll for the Goodwill Doll & Holiday Decor Sale last year.

BEST PLACE TO FIND BARGAINS
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES
Whether you're looking for a blender, a skirt to go with your new top or a costume for that office Halloween party, Goodwill has you covered.
Eight locations
goodwill-colosprings.org

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BEST FURNITURE STORE
DREXEL HERITAGE COLORADO SPRINGS
If you're looking for sophisticated, classic pieces for your home, this is the place. And it's great to know that owners Eric and Ann Fetsch give back as major supporters of their community. They've been a vital part of Partners in Housing since 1992 and support the arts and many nonprofits.
888 E. Woodmen Road, 598-7788
www.drexelheritage.com

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BEST WOMEN'S FASHIONS
GLOSS AT THE PROMENADE SHOPS AT BRIARGATE
This denim bar is home to the trendiest in designer jean names that adorn the behinds of female celebrities. True Religion, Joe's Jeans and People's Liberation are among the store's 20 or so premium lines. Gloss also carries dresses, tops and more.

1845 Briargate Parkway, Suite 429, 623-1652

shopgloss.com

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BEST VINTAGE CLOTHING STORE
SWISH
Shelley Laur's quaint shop is a vintage treasure trove with touches of new as well.

1816 W. Colorado Ave., 635-8375

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BEST CONSIGNMENT SHOP
EVE’S REVOLUTION
Eve has an eye for the best, and she won't accept less, which poses a challenge for those looking to consign. But that also means amazing clothes for you.
1312 W. Colorado Ave., 633-1357
evesrevolution.com

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SHORT TAKES

Best sale event: Thrift House of the Episcopal Churchwomen's fill-a-bag sale
Best skateboard shop: BC Surf and Sport
Best snowboard shop: Colorado Kite & Ski
Best ski shop: The Ski Shop
Best jewelry store: Luisa Graff Jewelers
Best camera shop: Shewmaker's Camera
Best baby shop: Babies R Us
Best children's clothing store: Tantrums Consignment Store
Best card shop: Rico's Coffee, Chocolate and Wine Bar
Best Christian bookstore: Family Christian Stores
Best new age store: Celebration Conscious Living Store
Best music store: Graner Music
Best gourmet shop: Par Avion
Best butcher shop: Andy's Market
Best store for quilters: Ruth's Stitchery
Best game shop: Compleat Games and Hobbies
Best gift shop: The Wickerbill
Best floral designs: Rich Designs
Best boutique: White House Black Market
Best men's fashions: Jos. A. Bank Clothiers
Best shoe store: Yarid's at The Broadmoor hotel
Best eclectic shopping: West Colorado Avenue
Best fashion row: Tejon Street downtown
Best car salesman: Doug Salvino at Daniel's Chevrolet. Even though he's the manager, he's a heck of a salesman.
Best recycled clothing: Plato's Closet
Best bookstore: Hooked on Books
Best place to buy a faucet: Rampart Supply
Best place for windows: Pella
Best place for a basement makeover: Solid Rock Construction
Best wine store: Wine Seller, Monument
Best gifts for gamblers: slot machines from
Now & Then
Best business name: Shoegasm
Best franchisee: DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of the Pikes Peak Region
Best toy store: Toys 4 Fun
Best car dealership gift shop: Red Noland Cadillac
Best place for bird lovers: This Place is for the Birds

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READERS' CHOICE - BEST CAR DEALER
HEUBERGER MOTORS
This family-owned dealership sold more Subarus in 2007 than any other dealership in the country. The many customer-satisfaction awards might have had something to do with that.

1080 Motor City Drive, 866-6411
heubergermotors.com

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photos by carol lawrence, the
Colorado Springs got its first Costco warehouse in February. It’s hard to miss at Powers Boulevard and Barnes Road.

BEST NEW STORE
COSTCO
How can you beat the huge opening of the nation's fourth-largest retailer? The membership warehouse opened in February and is the ninth one in our state - a 158,000-square-foot warehouse filled with groceries, appliances, automotive supplies, housewares, toys, furniture and office supplies. Its opening caused major traffic jams along Powers Boulevard.

5885 Barnes Road, 591-3000
costco.com

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READERS' CHOICE - BEST NEW STORE
COSTCO
We agree. See staff picks.

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READERS' CHOICE - BEST SKATEBOARD SHOP
BC SURF & SPORT
This may be a chain store, but that doesn't take anything away from its impressive selection of boards, friendly service and unprecedented
community outreach. Manager Shannon Davis has been way out front in the grass-roots efforts to turn the Memorial Park skateboard park into a reality.

Chapel Hills Mall, 1710 Briargate Blvd., 590-7873

bcsurf.com

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READERS' CHOICE - BEST SHOE STORE
DSW SHOE WAREHOUSE
There are aisles upon aisles of shoe-y goodness here, plus lots of room to strip down to your little twinkies for optimum try-on and strut time.

7639 N. Academy Blvd., 264-8007
dswshoes.com

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BEST WALL TREATMENTS
GOLD LEAF WALL DESIGN
Forget about the cheap faux finishes with the paint buckets and sponges. As the name suggests, Gold Leaf does serious wall treatments, often painstakingly created with thin sheets of real gold leaf or silver. It can take on an elaborate Asian design or resemble a sun-splashed kitchen wall in Tuscany.

2616 W. Colorado Ave., No. 14, 598-9740
fauxgoldleaf.com.

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the gazette file
Find fresh produce and plenty of bulk foods at Whole Foods Market, on North Academy Boulevard near Chapel Hills Mall. Whole Foods also owns the former Wild Oats store, near the Cinemark off Powers Boulevard.

BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE
WHOLE FOODS MARKET
The array of bulk foods is impressively large, as is the variety of organic and natural foods, vitamins and supplements. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through the basics of what you need to buy.

7635 N. Academy Blvd., 531-9999
3180 New Center Point, 622-1099 (operates as Wild Oats)

wholefoods.com

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BEST CATERER
FOOD DESIGNERS
One of the first local full-scale caterers, it's been wowing with its gourmet fare for homes or offices since 1984. The company prides itself in using fresh ingredients and making everything from scratch.

115 S. 25th St., 632-5414

fooddesigners.com

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BEST MEXICAN MARKET
LEONELA MEAT MARKET
Visiting this place is like taking a trip to Mexico without buying an airline ticket. The meat counter is jam-packed with Hispanic meats, featuring pork, beef and goat. There's always a huge tray of fried pork skins there, too. On fair weather days, there's a lady outside selling hot corn on the cob dressed with lime juice, sour cream and chile peppers. Try the mango on a stick, too.

3736 E. Pikes Peak Ave., 637-2641

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BEST ITALIAN MARKET
NANA LONGO’S ITALIAN MARKET
This little place tucked in the corner of a strip mall is where you'll find imported and homemade fresh pasta, sausages and artisan cheeses. Looking for a quick bite? Try anything with the local Italian sausage.

1725 Briargate Blvd., 599-9595

nanalongos.com

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BEST ASIAN MARKET
ASIAN PACIFIC MARKET
Need a crispy Peking duck for a weekend dinner? You can pick up a whole or half duck on Saturdays and Sundays. There's a huge selection of fresh Asian veggies and live fish. The store is organized into sections for various Asian
cuisines. It's your go-to for any Oriental meal.

615 Wooten Road, 573-7500

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BEST FARMERS MARKET
FARM AND ART MARKET
If you care about getting to know the farmer who has grown your food, this is the place to go. Though the selection of food may be smaller than other markets, the food being sold is by the family who owns the farm and works the soil. There are vendors who sell meat and other Colorado-produced foods such as salsas and mustards. The artists bring their finest pieces to sell. Starting June 11, the market is at America The Beautiful Park on Wednesday evenings and The Margarita at PineCreek on Saturday mornings.

farmandartmarket.com

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BEST GARDEN CENTER
GOOD EARTH GARDEN CENTER
If you have willpower of steel, you could simply just walk around this beautiful place and not buy a thing. But we don't think that'll be the case when you see the rows of baby herbs and vegetables ready for planting or the
cascading flowers in hanging pots. It costs a little bit more than, say, Wal-Mart, but the quality is worth every nickel.

1330 N. Walnut St., 473-3399

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