Best of Clark County 2011: SHOPPING
FLORIST: Garside Florist
While all of the finalists for best florist/gift shop are locally owned businesses, the quality and service delivered by Garside makes them this year’s winner. They are known for their service, for the variety of styles of arrangements, and for being a multi-generation local business.
Comments from our readers:
"My husband sends me flowers from here for Valentines, our anniversary, etc. every year. They are always so beautiful and a great price too!"
"Personalized service and family owned right here in the community for generations."
"They are always friendly and support the community. Their designers rock."
"From personal experience I can tell you they are the best in town. Worth the price!"
WINNER: Garside Florist, 6610 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, 98661, (360)694-3331 or toll free (800) 421-9384.
RUNNERS UP: Luepke Florist, Not Too Shabby, The Flower Express.
JEWELRY STORE: Erik Runyan Jewelers
Ah, the beauty and romance of gold, diamonds and colored gemstones! That’s just the beginning of your education when you walk into a jewelry store. Voters favorites this year are both locally owned and large chain outlets. But local and longstanding won out in recognizing Erik Runyan Jewelers by our voters.
Comments from our readers:
"An establishment rich in history with Vancouver. Excellent staff, quality products."
"Years of experience and old fashioned customer service!"
"The staff is friendly and helpful and the service is excellent."
"They deal with the small as though it were large. I had a favorite pair of earrings - very inexpensive, asked Runyan's to make them look gold again. They treated them and me as if we were dealing with diamonds. Great people!"
WINNER: Erik Runyan Jewelers, 900 Washington St Ste 150, Vancouver, WA, (360) 699-1917
RUNNERS UP: Rand, Fred Meyer
CLOTHING VALUES: Kohl's
We have a wide variety of places to shop for clothing, from teeny to mature, formal to casual, and everything in between. Selection and prices will win customers every time, and so Kohl’s makes the sale as Best of for 2011.
Comments from our readers:
"Nothing beats their selection or prices." "Good prices - good selection - good return policy."
"Good prices, wide variety."
WINNER: Kohl's, Hazel Dell: 9312 NE 5th Ave., Vancouver, 98665, (360) 546-3369; SE Vancouver, 17001 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, 98684, (360)254-6594.
RUNNERS UP: Ross, Deja-Vu (Vancouver), Macy's, Goodwill
SPECIALTY FOODS OR PRODUCE: Trader Joe’s
Naturally fresh foods that are organic and chemical free are easier to find in Clark County now, with the addition of Chuck’s Produce and Whole Foods, but the favorite is a smaller market that’s part of a west coast chain that has gained popularity due to quality, reasonable prices, and a uniquely different shopping experience. That’s Trader Joe’s!
Comments from our readers:
"They always have the most amazing stuff and unbelievable prices and I trust their motto and where the food comes from!!!"
"Great Customer Service"
"This store is a wonderful respite from inflated natural food prices while still providing organic and chemical free foods that are good for the body while soothing the pocket book. They are always ready to help you locate something with a smile and have a unique uniform and atmosphere style all their own, with local street names rather than numbers for checkout."
WINNER: Trader Joe’s, 305 SE Chkalov Dr., Vancouver, (360)883-9000.
RUNNERS UP: Chuck's Produce, Whole Foods
CONSIGNMENT STORE: Deja-Vu (Vancouver)
Selective shoppers love the hunt through a good selection of high-end quality clothing, combined with budget-friendly prices and helpful service. These add up to make Deja-Vu (Vancouver) the shoppers’ choice for 2011.
Comments from our readers:
"I have been shopping there are several years and ALWAYS find what I'm looking for and more! Atmosphere is comfortable for browsing and shopping and sales staff is extremely helpful and friendly!"
"I have a great wardrobe thanks to the women there..."
"Because I can dress fashionably on a budget - and they are SO friendly and helpful; I have never had a bad shopping experience at Deja Vu!"
WINNER: Deja-Vu (Vancouver), 16111 SE McGillivray Blvd., Suite F, (360) 253-9053
RUNNERS UP: Spanky's, Divine Consign, Denim & Frills
