FLORIST/GIFT SHOP: Garside Florist

Flowers are used as gestures to woo, apologize, celebrate, commemorate, recognize, remember, etc. As flowers are used as gestures of trust and acknowledgement, Garside has earned the same of voters that selected them the Best of Clark County in 2009 and 2010.

Family owned and a community mainstay for nearly 70 years, Garside assists with floral arrangements to suit every style, budget and situation.

Quality products, excellent service and an extended-family atmosphere are what keeps readers loyal to a business based on symbols of loyalty- flowers.

WINNER: Garside Florist, 6610 E Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661, 360-694-3331
RUNNERS-UP: Gallery Florist, Luepke Florist, Not Too Shabby

CLOTHING VALUES: Kohl's

While Ross Dress for Less touts fashions for up to 60% off department stores, readers still felt Kohl's was the place to go for the clothing -and prices they want.

With two locations in Vancouver, Kohl's is stocked with apparel, shoes and accessories for men, women and children as well as home products, such bedding, luggage and more. Kohl's also believes in helping the community that shops at its stores, such as being a major donor for a holiday event last Christmas.

WINNER: Kohl's, 9312 N.E. 5th Ave., Vancouver, WA 98665, 360-546-3369; 17001 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98684, 360-254-6594
RUNNERS-UP: Ross Dress for Less, Battle Underground

JEWELRY STORE: Rand Jewelers

Erik Runyan Jewelers has a wonderful, family-owned reputation of 90+ years locally. Fred Meyer Jewelers have several locations, well-trained staff and a broad range of prices.

Rand Jewelers has one location and has been open all of ... four months. However, don't let appearances fool you. Owner-operator Rand Schiltz, has nearly 30 years of custom jewelry design experience in Clark County. No wonder he already has a loyal following of readers.

Rand Jewelers carries a selection of fine jewelry and watches and specializes in custom jewelry.

WINNER: Rand Jewelers, 112 E. Evergreen, Vancouver, WA, 98660, 360-314-2474
RUNNERS-UP: Erik Runyan Jewelers, Fred Meyer Jewelers

ART GALLERY: 6th Street Gallery

If you're looking for art, downtown Vancouver holds the top three categories according to reader votes.

Angst Gallery and Art on the Boulevard are just over a block apart, and both are just north of this year's best art gallery: 6th Street Gallery. Current artwork is featured in several businesses -- including the Hilton. 6th Street Gallery is an all-volunteer, cooperative gallery. In addition to local works, 6th Street features juried regional and national shows every month.

All three galleries take part in the Downtown Vancouver’s First Friday Art Walk, a monthly event where galleries invite you to take in sights and sounds the local creative community has to offer.

WINNER: 6th Street Gallery, 105 W. 6th St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, 360-693-7340
RUNNERS-UP: Angst Gallery, Art on the Boulevard

UNUSUAL GIFTS: Not Too Shabby

What's unusual and who gets to decide what unusual is?

Regardless of the answer, voters chose Not Too Shabby as the best unusual gift store. The store features children's and women's clothing, plus home decor and garden art. But it doesn't stop there: jewelry, soap and even loose-leaf tea can be found. They've even expanded to include the Master Suite spa with full body treatments.

None of this sounds unusual to you? Then stop in... Not Too Shabby sounds like your kind of place.

WINNER: Not Too Shabby, 13317 N.E. 12th Avenue, Vancouver, WA, 98685, 360-695-5174
RUNNERS-UP: Mint Tea, Backyard Bird Shop, Unique Imports

SPECIALTY FOODS OR PRODUCE: Trader Joe’s

Two heavyweights squared off when it came time for you to choose the favorite specialty food store. Both Trader Joe's and Whole Foods took the majority of votes, but Trader Joe's came out on top as readers’ choice.

Featuring gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options, the Trader Joe's logo ensures that your product has no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives; as well as no genetically modified ingredients, MSG or trans fats. Trader Joe's even offers Kosher, fat free and low sodium products.

In fact, they're so sure you'll enjoy their products, they offer a guarantee: "We tried it! We liked it! If you don’t, bring it back for a full refund, no questions asked."

According to the votes, it's clear most everyone likes it.

WINNER: Trader Joe’s, 305 SE Chkalov Dr., Vancouver, WA 98683, 360-883-9000
RUNNER-UP: Whole Foods Market

CONSIGNMENT STORE, ADULTS, CHILDREN: Spanky's

Although the store changed hands in June, Spanky's retained the title as Clark County's best consignment store.

New owner Rachel Phillips hasn't made any radical changes to the store, nor does she plan any. Why? Spanky's has been providing a low-cost option for families for 29 years and the store continues to thrive. Spanky’s also offers the opportunity to put a little extra in your wallet while cleaning out your closet.

And don't think that Spanky's is home to brand-name knockoffs. The store regularly carries Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, GAP and Nike products among others.

WINNER CONSIGNMENT STORE: Spanky's, 13503 SE Mill Plain Blvd. Suite 114, Vancouver, WA, 98684, 360-260-0791
RUNNERS-UP: Divine Consign, Denim and Frills, Plato’s Closet

WINNER CONSIGNMENT STORE ADULTS: Spanky’s
RUNNERS-UP: Déjà vu, Plato’s Closet

WINNER CONSIGNMENT STORE CHILDREN: Spanky’s
RUNNERS-UP: Denim and Frills

CONSIGNMENT HOME FURNISHINGS: Divine Consign

Supporting over 100 (and growing) local charities, Divine Consign is an upscale furniture consignment store operated by volunteers. Furniture can either be consigned or donated to the shop and some of the proceeds go to local charities. You can even designate which charity receives the funds.

Divine Consign has a 10,000 square-foot showroom featuring furniture items big and small. Need a small end table, dining set or comfy couch? Come peruse Divine Consign's gently-used furniture, where the inventory is constantly changing.

WINNER: Divine Consign, 904 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, 360-695-6443

ANTIQUES: Old Glory Antique Mall

Perfect for a Sunday afternoon with nothing to do, the Old Glory Antique Mall offers aisles, shelves and nooks for you to explore. See something you like? Pick it up or risk losing it to the next interested buyer.

As with most antique stores, the stock on hand is of the one-of-a-kind variety. Which is great if you like browsing. Don't see something you want? Wait a week and the something special may just pop up. A perfect place if you’re decorating an older home or a collector of most anything in the last century.

WINNER: Old Glory Antique Mall, 2000 Main St., Vancouver, WA 98660, 360-906-8823
RUNNERS-UP: Camas Antiques, Main Street Trader

MUSIC, BOOKS OR MOVIES: Borders Books and Music

For your one stop shop of all things read, seen or heard, Borders Books and Music was readers’ choice. The top sellers, the award winners, even hard-to-find titles are all at your fingertips at Borders Books and Music.

WINNER: Borders Books and Music, 811 S.E. 160th Ave., Vancouver, WA, 98683, 360-891-2060.
RUNNERS-UP: Barnes and Noble Booksellers, Movie Movers

HOME DECOR: Distinctively Home

Distinctively Home offers interior design services no matter your style or situation: blank slate, a jumbled room that needs unjumbling or a big project that doesn't have a big budget.

In addition to designing homes for personal use, Distinctively home can also help the homeowner or realtor stage a house that's on the market or help a home builder outfit a model home to give it that finished look.

WINNER: Distinctively Home, 802 SE 14th Ave., Suite 101 Battle Ground, WA, 98604, 360-666-9539
RUNNERS-UP: PS and Company, Not Too Shabby, Creative Interiors and Design