and for the past six years in Santa Fe. Garcia Street Books is known for its great variety, from 99-cent book sales to special rare book exhibitions. "Bookstores sell ideas," says Edward. "When you get into a corporate setting, profits drive decisions. We're profitable because we're good. We have the freedom to sell ideas and what we think."

Buyer Be Happy:

For those with summer reading lists, Eva Borins has a couple recommendations:

Three Day Road

by Joseph Boyden, which is the story of Native Americans fighting in the first World War, as well as Julia Glass' latest,

The Whole World Over: A Novel

. Bonus: Large sections of this book are set in Santa Fe.

Acceptance Speech:

"I would not want to be an independent bookseller in any other city in North America," says Edward. "Our customers are so loyal." (

Adele Melander-Dayton

)

The Ark Bookstore

Collected Works Bookstore

Best Place to Rent Movies for Those Serious Couch Potato Nights

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Video Library

120 East Marcy Street

983-3321

You're A Star:

Celebrating 25 years in Santa Fe this August,

owner Lisa Harris provides locals with foreign, documentary and "off-the-wall" flicks while also offering more mainstream Hollywood

pictures. Video Library is stocked to the gills with enough DVDs and VHS tapes to keep even the pickiest and most discriminating viewer entertained. As one satisfied customer reported, "Lisa gives the best cinema-therapy ever."

Buyer Be Happy:

The sheer selection at Video Library is impressive, and is complemented by the love of movies and knowledge base of the decidedly hip staff. Video Library does its best to cater to Santa Feans. Harris notes that: "My parents live in Lubbock, Texas, and I know we would be a failure there." Not so in offbeat Santa Fe.

Acceptance Speech:

Santa Fe loves Video Library and Video Library loves Santa Fe. "I'd like to thank our audience base for having interesting enough tastes for us to be so diverse," Harris says. (AMD)

Hastings

Casablanca Video

Best Local Women's Boutique When You Need Serious Retail Therapy

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Dust in the Wind

131 East Palace Avenue

986-1155

You're A Star:

Dust in the Wind is one of precious few clothing stores in Santa Fe offering contemporary, trendy clothing for women. Owner Yasmine Amir-Moez emphasizes that she

caters to clientele aged 12 to 72, and keeps her eyes open for fresh and colorful clothing options for each of them, including an extensive and delectable selection of designer jeans. Now in its 12th year downtown, Dust in the Wind is a clothing mecca for tourists and locals alike.

Buyer Be Happy:

"Being in fashion, things change quickly," says Amir-Moez. Accordingly, she keeps her selection current and moving. "I always have to take chances with what I buy," she says. Don't expect to find boring basics here; instead, come for the eye-catching signature pieces.

Acceptance Speech:

"We're different from every store downtown," Amir-Moez says. "Local recognition is the most significant part of this business." (AMD)

Bohdi Bazaar

Judy's Unique Apparel

Best Local Men's Clothing Store Because It's Not Legal to Walk Around Naked

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Harrys

202 Galisteo Street

988-1959

You're A Star:

In the early '80s, rockers ZZ Top proclaimed that every girl goes crazy about a sharp-dressed man. Well guys, if that statement is true, then we all better run over to Harrys because they provide the best choice in men's clothing in Santa Fe. After 35 years in business, owner Greg Voida continues to offer clothing lines from many different countries across the world.

Bright Ideas:

While Harrys has been recognized for its men's clothing, a decent percentage of its business is in women's wear. "We always win best men's store, but we do have a small ladies section," Voida says. For those ladies searching for the latest fall fashions, Voida has something in store for you. He has premier clothing lines including Barry Bricken, Zanella and Yansi Fugel, and half-a-dozen other designer lines coming in for women this fall.

Acceptance Speech:

"We offer a lot of products that department stores don't have, and our service is what sets us apart. A lot of stores you go to you can't find anyone to talk to, let alone someone who knows what they're talking about." (

Chris Chavez

)

Corsini

Robert R Bailey

Best Second-Hand Shop Because Second Time's a Charm

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DoubleTake

321 South Guadalupe Street

989-8886

You're A Star:

In 1986, Suzanne Wissman opened a small children's consignment shop in a tiny piece of the old Coca Cola building. Twenty years later, that shop has ballooned to include almost the entire block. DoubleTake now features five shops within the

larger store, including departments for vintage; adult fashions; children's clothes and accessories; housewares and furniture; and Western wear. DoubleTake recently annexed its neighbor, Santa Fe Pottery, adding its eclectic and unique art to its inventory.

Buyer Be Happy:

Blending retail and resale, if you need something, DoubleTake has it at a price that could beat anywhere in the mall. "I'm not a real mall person," says employee Jude Roberts. "Not only are we local, but it's the whole recycling thing, and not supporting corporate business." Its expansive inventory, ranging from baby carseats to turquoise boleros to coffee tables to platform sandals, comes from entrepreneurial consigners in the community as well as hand-picked retailers. DoubleTake loves serving as a community gathering place: "A lot of people raise their kids here," Roberts says. "They start out buying their baby clothes, then 15 years later their kids are consigners." Judging from DoubleTake's inventory, those must be some pretty stylish kids.

Acceptance Speech:

Roberts is concise and to the point with her speech: "Thanks to the community, the consigners and the staff." (

Charlotte Jusinski

)

Goodwill

Act 2

Best Shoe Store, Not Just for Kicks

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On Your Feet

530 Montezuma Avenue

983-3900

You're A Star:

"I love shoes," says Nina Houle, owner of On Your Feet, as she explains why she opened a shoe store in 1989. After a couple of favorite downtown stores closed,

Houle found herself purchasing her footwear when out of town. To remedy this, she opened On Your Feet. Walking into On Your Feet is a friendly experience, like walking into a friend's home. "Comfortable like the shoes are," Houle says.

Buyer Be Happy:

Houle emphasizes On Your Feet's employees are its most important asset. "I have great employees," she says. "Some of them have been with me from the beginning. They're so loyal and knowledgeable; I couldn't do it without them."

Acceptance Speech:

"Thanks to the people that voted for us!" Houle says. "It makes us feel like we're doing the right thing." (AMD)

Goler Fine Imported Shoes

Street Feet

Best Local Stationery Store Because Good Paper Doesn't Grow on Trees

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Marcy Street Card Shop

75 West Marcy Street

982-5160

You're A Star:

Under new ownership for a little more than a year, the Marcy Street Card Shop has provided Santa Fe and its visitors with unique greeting cards, gifts and candy for 29 years. The huge collection of cards includes both nationwide companies as well as local artisans.

Buyer Be Happy:

Rick and Roberta Remington, the new owners of this historic card shop, are enthusiastic about giving an old store fresh energy. With new organization, more than 400 new card pockets and increasingly unique gifts and toys, their vision of a quirky and memorable card shop becomes clearer every day. "We tore down walls and opened the store up a little bit, and just made it easier to shop," says Remington of the shop's facelift. The desire to preserve the memorable atmosphere influenced Remington's decision to buy the store. "We get people that come in and they remember the store from 28 years ago when they were little kids," says Remington.

Acceptance Speech:

"Thank you for validating all of our hard work this year in reorganizing and cleaning and making this a fun place to shop again," says a grateful Remington. (CJ)

Cardrageous

Zago Paper

Best Flower Shop-No, There Does Not Need to Be an Occasion

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Trader Joe's

530 West Cordova Road

995-8145

You're A Star:

Though Trader Joe's is best known for its awesome groceries, the staff also puts in great care and consideration when purchasing its fresh flower selection. Having only been in Santa Fe since summer 2004, TJ's has established itself as a store

tailored to Santa Fe in particular with a laid-back vibe and a charmingly tattooed and pierced staff. "We just like to have fun," says Store Captain Darren Haines of the always-friendly employees. "I spend as much time with my crew members as I do with my family."

Buyer Be Happy:

Every day, new bouquets and pots are delivered from TJ's home base in Southern California, and the majority of the flowers are grown in SoCal. Tuesday is the slowest day for flowers, but even on said "slow" Tuesday, you can find approximately 22 different fresh-cut bouquets and 18 varieties of potted plants. The selection is hand-picked (no pun intended) for the exact location. There isn't just one blanket flower shipment sent to every Trader Joe's in the country-each store picks and chooses what they want. "We sell so much of them that we're constantly turning over," says Haines, so that means every day's flowers are guaranteed fresh on the shelf.

Acceptance Speech:

Says Haines, "It's great-my crew works hard, the customers are great, and we have so much fun doing what we're doing. Thanks to everyone who voted-it's great to know the hard work paid off." (CJ)

Whole Foods Market

Artichokes & Pomegranates

Best Place to Buy Cowboy Boots-You're On Your Own With the Spurs

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Back at the Ranch

209 East Marcy Street

989-8110

You're A Star:

Cowboy boots are so comfortable there are surgeons who insist on operating in them. Not only that, but they're such a staple in American fashion that they're guaranteed to never go out of favor. For 17 years, Back at the Ranch has specialized in custom cowboy boots for savvy connoisseurs of Southwestern style. "We can make, and will make, and have made just about anything imaginable on a boot," says Sales Manager Susan La Pointe.

Buyer Be Happy:

With customers including Steven Spielberg, Jane Fonda and Lyle Lovett, this little store in Santa Fe has the largest in-stock collection of cowboy boots in the United

States (that's about 800 pairs). From relatively simple ranch-hardy boots to those encrusted with gems and jewels, classic calfskin to glittery stingray, the sky's the limit when designing your newest pair. Special orders have included everything from children's portraits to glitzy Guadalupes. "It's like getting a tattoo, but you can take them off," says Laura Metzger, operations manager (that means she's in charge of finding all the materials, including the more rare textures, like mustard-yellow lizard skin).

Acceptance Speech:

"We really do have to thank the local people of Santa Fe," says Metzger. "Tourists will be in town shopping, and they'll say, 'Gosh, I don't know where to look for cowboy boots,' and locals will send them to us." Adds La Pointe, "The locals have definitely kept us in business." (CJ)

Western Warehouse

Lucchese

Best Local Car Dealer-Gas Not Included

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Beaver Toyota

1500 Saint Michael's Drive

982-1901

You're A Star:

Beaver Toyota knows how to treat its employees because it's the little things that count. Birthdays are called out over the lot's speakers sending the employees' names out for everyone to hear. Cake is also provided, because what would a birthday be without cake? It's the trickle-down effect: Keep your employees happy and they will keep the customers happy.

Bright Ideas:

General Manager Matt Calavan couldn't be more proud of his team of employees at Beaver Toyota. In the past year, Beaver Toyota was awarded its second Toyota Presidential award, an honor that only 5 percent of Toyota dealers across the nation have received. The award recognizes all departments, including sales, repair, parts and service, that make Beaver Toyota Santa Fe's best. A friendly, attentive and dedicated staff is the cornerstone of Beaver Toyota's success.

Acceptance Speech:

"It's great to do business in Santa Fe. We're all about employees. I believe we have the best staff in the state, all 110 of us. If you take care of your own employees, then they will turn around and take care of the customer." (CC)

Premier Motors

Santa Fe BMW

Best Nursery Because You're Just Not Ready for Astroturf

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Santa Fe Greenhouses

2904 Rufina Street

473-2700

You're A Star:

Considering we live in the middle of the desert, water conservation is a high priority for everyone. Santa Fe Greenhouses, one of the top garden centers in the West, specialized in waterwise gardening even before drought became a high-profile issue. If you are interested in xeriscaping your yard,

take a free guided tour, led by Greenhouse staff, through their xeriscape garden.

Buyer Be Happy:

In the past year, Santa Fe Greenhouses owners Ava and David Salman have responded to customer requests by adding additional parking and a new checkout system. So expect less waiting and more parking with the same focus on offering the best to Santa Fe. According to Ava Salman, the nursery is still on the cutting edge. "We develop plants here, we breed plants, and we introduce new plants into the gardening world," Salman says. "There are plants here that you're not going to see anywhere else."

Acceptance Speech:

When given her chance to brag about her business, Ava Salman turned to the big picture. "I think that we all should plant trees to prevent global warming," Salman says. "It's important to soak up CO2, even though we have limited water supplies, using it to plant a tree is not only good for Santa Fe, but good for the world." (CC)

Plants of the Southwest

Payne's Nursery

Best Art Framer Because Doing It Yourself Is Off the Wall

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Frontier Frames

2008 Saint Michael's Drive Suite D

473-1901

You're A Star:

Frontier Frames has been in the framing biz for 33 years, since it first opened its doors at Sanbusco Center. Now located at the Allegro Center on St. Michael's Drive, the store is

run by the son of the original owner, Ken Kirk, his wife, Julie, and Frank Peacock. Frontier will frame everything from paintings worth millions to kids' refrigerator art, and do both with quality workmanship, materials and

customer service.

Buyer Be Happy:

Frames and mattes are available in almost any color. From basic black to glitzy silver-painted, Frontier can hang with the best of them.

Acceptance Speech:

Ken Kirk notes that Frontier has been SFR readers' favorite framer since before the millennium-for seven years now. "We're very honored to win this award," says Kirk. "It's always nice to get feedback that people appreciate what we've done over the years." (AMD)

Valdes

Goldleaf Framemakers of Santa Fe

Best Local Eyeglass Shop Because Squinting Gives You Wrinkles

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Acoma Optical/Ancient City Opticians

1521 Fifth Street/1704 Llano Street

988-5321/471-2020

You're A Star:

Acoma Optical has been in Brian Boddy's family for two generations now. With his wife Cyndi, Boddy has maintained the high standards and exceptional care his father envisioned when starting the company 32 years ago. Acoma Optical, the original store, carries classic yet stylish frame selections, while Ancient City Opticians, which carries a completely different inventory, provides peepers to the hipper population.

Buyer Be Happy:

Everyone who works at Acoma and Ancient City is a board-certified optician. This isn't a qualification for optical shops, the store does it voluntarily to ensure high-quality service. Along with having exceptional service, expertise and selection, the Boddy-owned business has a lab on premises-the oldest optical lab in New Mexico and the only full-service lab in Santa Fe. The experts at Acoma can fix absolutely any problem you could have with a pair of specs.

Acceptance Speech:

"I want to thank the people of Santa Fe for supporting locally owned businesses," Boddy says. "Keeping money local is so important to historic Santa Fe, and small businesses support the city." (CJ)

Aztec Optical

Optical Shop of Aspen

Best Local Pet Supply Store/Service Because, Let's Face It, Animals Rule This Town

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The Critters & Me

1403 Agua Fria Street

982-5040

You're A Star:

With 13 years' experience in homeopathy, Laura Moore realized that our four-legged friends weren't getting the nutrition they deserved. About 12 years ago, Moore took matters into her own hands and opened a co-op for health-conscious pet

owners not satisfied with the quality of food available in most pet stores. That co-op eventually evolved into Critters & Me, where you can still buy huge bags of organic dog food as well as accessories for all types of fauna, from rats to wild birds to horses.

Buyer Be Happy:

"The most important part of animal health is nutrition," says Moore's son Ryan Hinson, who now runs the wholesale food business. Moore works to provide education as well as healthy products, to help pet owners do what's best for their animals. In addition to bags of food and tons of toys and accessories, huge baskets of all-natural treats and home-baked dog biscuits are available to ensure that your pet's ingesting only the highest-quality ingredients. Furthermore, Critters employs knowledgeable people who can help customers find everything from the right food for a dog with a liver problem to choosing the right flower essences for a cat with anxiety.

Acceptance Speech:

"It's truly about what we provide here," Moore says. "I'm just grateful to be able to fulfill my mission so animals have better lives. Our customers are so loyal and so grateful that we're here, and that feels wonderful." (CJ)

Pete's Pets

Teca Tu-A Pawsworthy Emporium

Best Bike Shop, Please Wear a Helmet

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rob and charlie's

1632 Saint Michael's Drive

471-9119

You're A Star:

Little-known fact: Rob and Charlie are real guys, and while Charlie is still an owner of this

quirky bike shop, Rob is currently into real estate development in Albuquerque. rob and charlie's is a family bike place, catering to everyone, and is committed to pairing the right bike with the right person.

Buyer Be Happy:

"Three-dollar-a-gallon gas is good for us!" exclaims manager Stephen Newhall. Newhall notes that the biggest sales lately have been entry level bikes ($230-$300 a pop), but makes the point that while rob and charlie's sells fancy-schmancy top-of-the-line brand new models, they know how to fix the "old, funky ones," too.

Acceptance Speech:

"No one ever got killed defending the nation's supply of Power Bars," Newhall declares cryptically. And no one at rob and charlie's ever got killed for not doing a stellar job fixing and selling bikes. (AMD)

Santa Fe Mountain Sports

New Mexico Bike 'n' Sport

Best Outdoor Gear Shop, When It's Hot and It's Cold

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Wild Mountain Outfitters

453 Cerrillos Road

986-1152

You're A Star:

Santa Fe is known for its celebrity sightings, and if you stop by Wild Mountain Outfitters you'll get a chance to meet one of the city's biggest stars. Rio, the storeowners' golden retriever, is the public face for Wild Mountain. Rio appears on all the

company's ads and has his own line of leashes and biscuits. No autographs please.

Bright Ideas:

In recent months, owners Jon and Janet Asher have moved their business to a new location closer to the downtown area that includes free parking behind the store. Wild Mountain has also launched its own Web store. From the convenience of your own home, you can buy gear, check the events calendar and log on to Rio's blog.

Acceptance Speech:

Jon Asher expresses the importance of keeping his customers satisfied. "We don't just sell things. Since it is a small town, we've got to make sure it works well for people," Asher says. "We're not just on the tourist circuit here. We've never been dependent on tourists, although it's a bonus to us now. Our mainstay has always been locals and getting them in the right product. Their return business is what's going to make or break us, so that's how important they are in our realm of existence." (CC)

Sangre de Cristo Mountain Works

Santa Fe Mountain Sports