***image3***
Best Indie Bookstore and aren't you Glad We Still Have 'Em?
Garcia Street Books
376 Garcia Street, 986-0151
The customer is always right:
Bookselling is all Eva and Edward Borins know how to do-they've been doing it forever. In an effort to retire, they moved here from Canada, where they were big players in the book business scene in Toronto, manning five stores plus a wholesale warehouse. "Once you're a bookseller, it stays in your blood," Edward says. A few years into their stint here they bought Garcia Street Books and have been operating it for five years now. "This is our fun store," he says, "because I don't have all of the business things to worry about. In Canada, I could have been selling watermelons. Here, I get to meet all the wonderful customers and sell the books I want to sell."
No rest for the best:
Watermelons or not, the Borins know their stuff. They have a great selection of bargain books and original artists' books, and new this year are 150 books made by Mayan women in Chiapas. Plus, if they don't stock something you want, they'll order it for you and it'll be there in a mere three to four days.
Winner's circle:
Edward loves it here: "This is the only city in the United States where I would want to be an independent bookseller," he says. "The community here is so literate, and hence they realize the importance of an independent bookstore and they're so supportive. They're the ones who enable us to keep this business going."
Second Place:
Collected Works Bookstore
Third Place:
Blue Moon Books and Video
***image4***
Best Place to Buy Music Because Shopping at iTunes is Kind of Impersonal
Borders
Sanbusco Center, 500 Montezuma Avenue, 954-4707
The customer is always right:
It may not be locally owned, but Santa Feans rely on Borders for stocking their CD collections. Borders has one of the largest selections of music in town, according to Sales Manager Andy Dudley. Plus, "The people who work here love music," he says, "and that makes the biggest difference."
No rest for the best:
A cool thing about Borders is its listening stations-you can hear a cut on KBAC and Blu102.9 and then check out the whole CD at the store. The store features about 10 CDs month.
Winner's circle:
Dudley says of Borders' win: "Thank you to the Santa Feans that appreciate all the hard work that we do."
Second Place:
The Candyman
Third Place:
Best Buy
***image5***
Best Place to Rent Videos/DVDs and Get Informed Recommendations
Video Library
120 East Marcy Street, 983-3321
The customer is always right:
Lisa Harris has been the owner of Video Library since the days of Betamax, when she realized if she didn't start the place herself, she'd end up spending all of her money in a place just like it. What makes Harris' store so great is not just her extensive collection of foreign films and classics, but the way she exuberantly greets her customers as they pass through-after all these years, Harris is still just as excited about her store now as she was when it first opened. Plus, the staff knows a whole lot about movies, and they're not afraid to tell you if you're about to make a bad choice-but anyway, with Dollar Day Wednesdays, how could you really go wrong?
No rest for the best:
"We've been so busy lately, it's hard to even think of tomorrow," says Harris of plans for the future. "But we're always trying to find new movies and squeeze them in."
Winner's circle:
About doing business in Santa Fe: "We're so lucky," Harris says. "This is such a wonderful town with a wonderful sensibility to not just like the big Hollywood films."
Second Place:
Hastings
Third Place:
Blockbuster
***image6***
Best Jewelry Store Even if you Don't Celebrate Valentine's Day
Chavez Fine Jewelry
DeVargas Mall, 171 Paseo de Peralta, 988-8000
The customer is always right:
You can't just go anywhere for that diamond engagement ring-it needs to be special. "The difference between myself and the discount stores is experience and expertise," says Faustin "Tino" Chavez, owner of the 30-year-old jewelry store. But that's not the only difference: The stuff you find at Chavez Fine Jewelry is more exclusive. "It's one-of-a-kind in Santa Fe," Chavez says. "We strive for uniqueness."
No rest for the best:
The new hot sellers are colored gemstones and diamonds, so you may want to reconsider that ring you picked out for your loved one. A clear diamond? That's so yesterday.
Winner's circle:
"Today, everyone wants to retire. Not me. I want to do this for another 40 years," says Chavez.
Second Place:
Romancing the Stone
Third Place:
Fairchild and Company
***image7***
Best Women's Boutique When you Want to be Sitting Pretty
Dust in the Wind
131 East Palace Avenue, 986-1155
The customer is always right:
Store owner Yasmine Amir-Moez grew up in Iran. "I was raised by a horde of very fashionable women in Tehran," she says, and when she moved to Santa Fe she decided to spread the fashion sense she inherited to others and opened up the shop 11 years ago. At first, the store catered more to tourists, but for the past six years she's focused on providing a trendy place for locals so, "they do not have to travel to big cities to shop," Amir-Moez says. And really, they don't. Dust in the Wind carries clothing for everyone from teenagers to grandmothers, and with the help of her two daughters, 16 and 20, Amir-Moez keeps the place hip, trendy, bright and colorful.
No rest for the best:
"We do not make it through a day without a client saying, 'You need a bigger store,'" she says. "So, maybe. We're thinking about it."
Winner's circle:
"I really appreciate when locals come to us. Parking is difficult, so when they do come, we really appreciate it," says Amir-Moez.
Second Place:
Bodhi Bazaar
Third Place:
Judy's Unique Apparel
***image8***
Best Place to Buy Men's Clothing
Harry's Clothing
202 Galisteo Street, 988-1959
The customer is always right:
Harry's can outfit you with anything from socks to suits, and everything in between. "Some people think we're just dressy, but we're not. We've always carried casual lines," Greg Voida, owner for almost 29 years, says. He and manager Jim Flower have a combined 75 years in the business, so you really can't find a store with more expertise.
No rest for the best:
In the upcoming year, they'll be focusing on continuing what they've always done well: "We just give excellent service and we'll continue to take care of our customers," Voida says.
Winner's circle:
Voida would like to thank Santa Fe for the award. "We appreciate the support of our customers from the 28 years I've been here," he says.
Second Place:
Robert R Bailey
Third Place:
Double Take
Best Children's Clothing Store When Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes
The Gap
Santa Fe Place Mall (formerly Villa Linda), 4250 Cerrillos Road, 471-2326
The customer is always right:
The Gap is more than just a place for you to find your dress casuals-you can find you find your children's there, too. "We try to engage the kids," Aaron Middleton, assistant manager, says. "We find out what they're into-what colors and styles they like. Plus, all of our pants have adjustable bottoms, so even if the kids grow they can still wear them." And if you're worried about your youngest tyke running amok in the khaki section, rest assured: The little ones get to play with coloring books while your 'tween is trying on the latest duds.
No rest for the best:
You can look forward to the fall collection, which will feature school uniforms, backpacks and lunchboxes. "Each year is always something that tops the last year," Middleton says.
Winner's circle:
"Thank you so much for all your support," Middleton says. "We have a lot of regular supporters."
Second Place:
Double Take
Third Place:
Gypsy Baby
***image9***
Best Second-Hand Shop Because What Goes Around Comes Around
Double Take
320 Aztec Street, 989-8886
The customer is always right:
When Suzanne Wissman opened Double Take's doors 18 years ago, she sold only children's clothing, but the store has since morphed into a wealth of high-quality used clothes for people of all ages. It's also a great place to find funky home furnishings, jewelry, purses and anything else you never knew you needed (that somebody else didn't want). Plus, it's way more than just a regular old store: "We have always been a community gathering place," employee Jude Roberts says.
No rest for the best:
Double Take's commitment to creating community goes way beyond its own walls-the store supports a scholarship fund and the Santa Fe Children's Museum and donates what they don't sell to various charities in Santa Fe (so you better go purchase that vintage A-line skirt you've always wanted ASAP).
Winner's circle:
"It makes me very proud to know that our unwillingness to compromise our standards has paid off and is recognized by the community," Roberts says. "The support we get from the community is outstanding and we're all very grateful."
Second Place:
Act 2
Third Place:
Goodwill
***image10***
Best Shoe Store Because It's Not Safe to go Barefoot
On Your Feet
520 Montezuma Avenue, 983-3900
The customer is always right:
"I see that you're wearing Chacos," Nina Houle notices, as any good shoe seller would. For 16 years now, she has owned On Your Feet, a fabulous collection of the latest styles and most brightly colored sandals you've ever seen. But don't try to credit her with the store's success: "I couldn't do this without my employees. Some of them have been with me the whole 15 years," she says. "My employees are so knowledgeable about our products. The hardest work is out there on the floor, and they do it day after day."
No rest for the best:
The store offers complimentary foot reflexology two Fridays a month. Did you hear us? Complimentary! That means free!
Winner's circle:
"I would like to thank our customers for being so loyal," Houle says. "I would also like to thank my employees. If they left, that would be it."
Second Place:
Goler
Third Place:
Street Feet
***image11***
Best Stationery Store Because You're Tired of Writing Notes on Post-Its
Cardrageous
345 West Manhattan Avenue, 986-5887
The customer is always right:
This is the best one-stop shop for all sorts of greeting cards, wrapping paper, ribbons, kitschy Band-Aids, tchotchkes of all kinds, and, of course, those little rubber duckies with the devil horns. Beverly Barnatt has owned the place for about 2 1/2 years, and she handpicks all of the cards that hit the shelves. She won't stock anything that's "too cute," and pickiness sure has paid off-you really can't go wrong with any of her products.
No rest for the best:
Those devil ducks are very popular, and as Barnatt points out, "We have something for everyone."
Winner's circle:
"I'm really grateful," she says of her win. "The customers are really good, friendly people. It feels like home sometimes."
Second Place:
Marcy Street Cardshop
Third Place:
Joni's Hallmark
***image12***
Best Place to Buy Cowboy Boots and Giddyup
Back at the Ranch
209 East Marcy Street, 989-8110
The customer is always right:
Ever wanted to know where Gov. Richardson gets his cowboy boots? That's right. He dons the New Mexico State Boot, a custom boot from Back at the Ranch. When owner Wendy Lane first opened 16 years ago, the store sold only vintage boots and Western kitsch, but now she focuses on brand new custom boots and stocks over 800 boots. Whatever your preference, Lane will get a boot for you-and, if you really want, you can get your very own pair of New Mexico State Boots.
No rest for the best:
Lane's very own spiffy pair of rhinestone-laden boots is the model for the store's latest trend. So if your hot pink ostrich boots are starting to feel a little dull, just add rhinestones!
Winner's circle:
"If it wasn't for the support of our locals, I wouldn't be here today," Lane says.
Second Place:
Western Warehouse
Third Place:
Lucchese
***image13***
Best Furniture Store Because you Need a Coffee Table for those Coffee Table Books
American Country Collection
620 Cerrillos Road, 984-0955
The customer is always right:
When Michael Needle and Carol Israel opened ACC's doors 20 years ago, the store was just a manufacturer of Southwestern furniture. Now, it's an eclectic showroom of European, Asian and Indian antiques, as well as all sorts of contemporary and classic looks-their unique style is a blend of ornate Old World patterns with today's neat modernism, mixed with a touch of the Southwest and a whole lot of good taste. Plus, they sell everything off the floor, which means that their collection changes daily and you won't have to wait two months for your settee to arrive.
No rest for the best:
The store offers a free interior design service for its customers-you'll need to buy most of your furniture from ACC, but they'll send a decorator to your house for consultation. "We think it's better for the customer to spend their money on the furniture than on the design services," Vice-president Chip Livingston says. Amen to that.
Winner's circle:
"We appreciate and thank the locals for keeping us in business-they're the backbone of our business. They're the people we have to take care of," Livingston says. "That's why we've been in business 20 years-because of the locals."
Second Place:
American Home Furnishings
Third Place:
Design Warehouse
Best Local Car Dealer When you're Ready to Get Behind the Wheel
Beaver Toyota
1500 St. Michael's Drive, 982-1900
The customer is always right:
Maybe it's the popularity of the hybrid car Prius, maybe it's the free while-you-wait Internet access, or maybe it's the little signs in the parking lot telling you that you're the boss, but 3-year-old Beaver Toyota Scion is doing something right. General Manager Matt Calavan says, " We've got a great product, and we really work hard on our reputation-we put the customer first." After all, you are the boss.
No rest for the best:
Toyota has upped its production of the Prius in response to the high demand for the car, and will be releasing 10 new models next year, including a new hybrid SUV. That way, the car can guzzle gas and electricity.
Winner's circle:
"I've got the best 101 employees in the state of New Mexico at Beaver Toyota, hands down," Calavan says, "and our good reputation is something that we don't take for granted. We have a lot of loyal customers."
Second Place:
Premiere Motors
Third Place:
Capitol Ford
***image14***
Best Nursery Because it's Been Raining and You're Ready to Start Planting Again
Santa Fe Greenhouses
2904 Rufina Street, 473-2700
The customer is always right:
Why have a lawn that requires daily watering when you could fill your backyard with beautiful xeriscape perennials? Don't think it's doable? Just take a gander through SFG's display garden and see for yourself. "Xeriscaping is not just yucca in the middle of a gravel field," Ava Salman, marketing director for the nursery, says. Owned by the Salman family for 22 years, SFG specializes in xeriscape plants, but also sells annuals and other types of plants and stocks anything you might ever need for your garden.
No rest for the best:
You can take a guided walking tour through the gardens or participate in summer gardening demonstrations and winter lecture series. New this year is a garden designer who can help you plan your container gardens.
Winner's circle:
Salman is very happy for the award. "I would like to thank the community for making us their favorite choice," she says.
Second Place:
Agua Fria Nursery
Third Place:
Payne's Nursery
***image15***
Best Art Framer for Those Prints you Picked up at the Silent Auction
Frontier Frames
2008 St. Michael's Drive, 473-1901
The customer is always right:
In a town like Santa Fe, being the best art framer is quite a significant accomplishment. Frontier Frames has been serving the art world since 1973, when owner Ken Kirk's father started up the shop. Now in the hands of Kirk and partner Frank Peacock, the store moved this year to a new and much larger location. "We stock all of our products, so we don't have to order things, which allows us to have a fast turn-around," Kirk says. "And we
provide the best service and quality at a fair price."
No rest for the best:
New this year are fancy leather and hand-carved wooden frames from Colombia, Peacock says, so if you're ready for extravagance, you'll be able to find it here.
Winner's circle:
"We're fortunate to be in Santa Fe," Kirk says. "We appreciate your votes and we will strive to keep your trust."
Second Place:
Fine Art Framers
Third Place:
Frame of Mind
***image16***
Best Place to Buy Eyeglasses
(tie)
Acoma Optical, Inc.
1521 Fifth Street, 988-5321
Ancient City Opticians
1704 Llano Street, 471-2020
The customer is always right:
It makes sense that both of these stores came in first, considering that Cyndi and Brian Boddy own both. They do have their differences, though: Ancient City features designer labels and hip styles, while Acoma Optical goes for a "more classic, sophisticated look," says Cyndi. Whichever you prefer, you'll be sure to leave the place looking sharp, and seeing sharply, too-and they wouldn't have it any other way. "It's a reflection on us," Cyndi adds. "People are going to say, 'Hey, where'd you get those?' That's important to us."
No rest for the best:
Expect a little remodeling at both locations, as well as a few new eyeglass lines-"to make things new and exciting," Cyndi says. "You can buy glasses anywhere. We want to provide the best prosthetic with the best aesthetic."
Winner's circle:
"I would say thank you to everyone who recognizes that we try to give the best product and the best service," Cyndi says. "These are people who aren't just customers-they are friends."
Second Place:
Aztec Optical
Third Place:
Santa Fe Optical
***image17***
Best Pet Supply Store because Precious is Hungry
The Critters & Me
1403 Agua Fria Street, 982-5040
The customer is always right:
Ask owner Laura Moore about the brand of food you've been feeding your dog, and she'll tell you everything there is to know about it. In fact, depending on what kind of food it is, you may decide to switch to a better brand right then and there, because what you don't know about those seemingly tasty kibbles is probably a whole lot. Moore, who opened the store seven years ago with the mission of improving pet nutrition, says that for her, the business is secondary to the goal of nutritional education. And it's way more than just a supply store-it's an advice shop. "Everybody needs help to care for their friends," Moore says. "We try to be a source for where people can go to get help."
No rest for the best:
This year, the store expanded the shop, giving it more room to house its do-it-yourself dog washing room and new lines of grainless (read: healthy) dog food. Plus, now that Moore feels she's made strides in improving cat and dog nutrition, she's focusing on organic feed for horses.
Winner's circle:
"I thank my customers, because they are so incredibly supportive. Without their dedication, I wouldn't be here," Moore says.
Second Place:
Pete's Pets
Third Place:
The Feed Bin
***image18***
Best Bike Shop to Get you Equipped for Biking the Rail Trail
rob and charlie's
1632 St. Michael's Drive, 471-9119
The customer is always right:
A great all-around bike shop, 26-year-old rob and charlie's is a great place to go even if you're not Lance Armstrong. Sure, they sell those top-of-the-line worth-more-than-your-car road bikes, but they also have a great selection of reasonably priced "stuff for basic transportation," manager Stephen Newhall, who for 25 years didn't even own a car, says.
No rest for the best:
The store keeps up with the changes in the bike industry, says Newhall, and will be stocking lots of the new "user-friendly bikes designed for regular people," because not all of us can survive cancer and go on to win the Tour de France.
Winner's circle:
"Thanks for coming into robandcharlie's," Newhall says. "We'll see you when you get a flat tire."
Second Place:
Santa Fe Mountain Sports
Third Place:
New Mexico Bike and Sport
***image19***
Best Outdoor Gear Shop Because it's Way too Nice to Stay Inside
Alpine Sports
121 Sandoval Street, 983-5155
The customer is always right:
Alpine is used to taking the cake for its quality ski and snowboard collection, but this is a first-time win for them in this category. Aside from the gear you need to race down the mountain, the store can help you find outdoor shoes and clothing: "During the summer season, we focus on the things people need for a day in the mountains," David Koska, the store's manager, says. "I really respect the other stores in town-if I don't carry something, I call them."
No rest for the best:
Don't expect to wander aimlessly through the store as you peruse the SmartWool-Alpine Sports prides itself on its customer service. "We focus on greeting the customer, talking to them, finding out what they need," Koska says. "We're old-fashioned that way."
Winner's Circle:
"I am quite honored to receive this," Koska says.
Second Place:
Santa Fe Mountain Sports
Third Place:
Beyond Waves
***image20***
Best Ski/Snowboard Shop Because we've Got Some Powder Now
Alpine Sports
121 Sandoval Street, 983-5155
The customer is always right:
Harvey and Reserl Chalker, owners of Alpine Sports, have been in the business since the days when the word "parabolic" referred only to the curve of a quadratic equation. "After 40 years, there's a high level of dedication," manager David Koska, who himself has been at Alpine Sports for 15 years, says. "It's a sport and an industry that we're very devoted to." So devoted, in fact, that to work there you must be a skier or snowboarder yourself.
No rest for the best:
The store hosts clinics with ski makers to educate buyers about products and brands and keeps up on the latest trends in skiing and snowboarding by attending workshops and seminars. All of their hard work has finally paid off, too: This year they won Ski Magazine's award for being the best ski shop in the Rockies (which is far more prestigious than, say, the best in the Catskills).
Winner's Circle:
"Thank you, Santa Fe, for all of the years of support. It's been a pleasure doing it, and we hope to keep doing it," Koska says. "And think snow."
Second Place:
Santa Fe Mountain Sports
Third Place:
Sangre de Cristo Mountain Works
