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ALB Tech's Adam Bell Photo by Matt Licari
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Photo by Isaac Harrell
Best Locally Made Clothing Item Ledbury shirts 117 S. 14th St., (888) 233-1942 After local tailors design the haberdashery's shirts in a downtown shop, Ledbury outsources production to small European factories. "We just go with who we think is making the best stuff," co-founder Paul Trible says of the Italian-made garments. "We started the business in Europe, so a lot of the early relationships we built were European-based." 2. Shockoe Denim jeans 3. Artisan handbags & accessories Best Car Dealer Customer Service CarMax 11090 W. Broad St., 346-2277 The nation's largest retailer of used cars keeps customers happy by sticking to a set, no-haggle price on their used vehicles. "For the past 20 years, we've been dedicated to giving our Richmond customers the easy, hassle-free car buying experience they trust and deserve," says Mike Evans, general manager of the West Broad Street location. 2. McGeorge Toyota 3. Lexus of Richmond
2013 Best & Worst
Best Yoga Instructor Garland Hume, Bikram Yoga Richmond 3621 Cox Road, 249-3355; 3024 Stony Point Road, 330-3353 In addition to teaching and taking yoga classes every day, Hume competes in the United States Yoga Federation's Yoga Asana Championships. "Sometimes when I'm training, I'll be in the hot room eight hours a day just doing yoga," Hume says of the studio that is heated to 105 degrees. 2. Nancy Glenmore Tatum, Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center 3. Tim Culley, Hot House Yoga Best Fitness Center/Club ACAC 11621 Robious Road, 378-1600; 2201 Old Brick Road, 464-0990 Less than a year after opening, membership at the West Broad Village location is more than 2,100. "Most other more established clubs membership levels operate at 4,500 to 5,000," marketing director Wendy Greene says. "We're close to already being halfway in just six months." 2. Gold's Gym 3. American Family Fitness Best Computer Repair ALB Tech 1208 W. Main St., 355-2491 ALB Tech owner Adam Bell says, "Richmonders have a serious problem with spilling coffee and beer on their expensive electronics." So whether you fried your Macbook with PBR or just need help upgrading an old machine, ALB Tech can suss out the solution. They service Mac, PC, Linux and mobile devices, and most services are rendered in one day. 2. CapitolMac 3. Geek Squad/Best Buy Best Real Estate Agent Alex Glaser, Coldwell Banker 9701 Gayton Road, 740-6683 The young Realtor says starting his career in the middle of the housing market collapse was the key to his success. "I feel fortunate that I didn't know any better," the 2008 Virginia Tech graduate says. Glaser has sold more than 80 houses since 2009. 2. Jennie Barrett Shaw, Joyner Fine Propoerties 3. Shana Bloom, Compass Realty Best Car Mechanic Import Autohaus 11002-B W. Broad St., 747-5851; 6316 W. Broad St., 673-9171; 13941 Hull St., 739-0169 What's the best way not to end up broken down on the side of the road? Co-owner Andy Neff recommends following your car's maintenance schedule. "The manufacturers wrote them for a reason," he says. The auto shop that has three Richmond locations specializes in imported vehicles. 2. (Tie) Midas; Wallace Automotive 3. Virginia Import Services Best Unisex Spa Glow Med Spa 5109 Lakeside Ave.; 201 Towne Center West Blvd.; 3202 W. Cary St., 262-0330 Owner Shia Noth recommends the "Hydrating Macho Man" massage for guys who aren't used to the spa setting. The 90-minute treatment includes cedar wood and ends with being wrapped in a warm blanket while a masseuse works on the shoulders, neck and scalp. 2. Bombshell 3. Nesbit Salon Best Environmentally Conscious Shop Ten Thousand Villages 109 S. 14th St.; 3201 W. Cary St., 358-5170 Bicycle chains, chip bags and oil drums — these items might not be at the top of most wish lists, but at Ten Thousand Villages, they're hot selling gifts. "The products are all made from environmentally responsible materials," executive director Karin Taylor says of the bicycle-chain bracelets, chip-bag baskets and oil-drum wall art. 2. Ellwood Thompson's Local Market 3. Franklin Goose Worst Store To Shop If You Hate Long Lines Walmart There's another retailer that invites you to "ship your pants" for free, if you can't find an item in the store, whether its pants or a bed. Walmart, on the other hand, has some of our readers willing to leave their pants behind rather than waiting out the cashier queue. 2. (Tie) Costco; MARTIN's 3. Apple Store Best Cigar Shop Havana Connections Visit havanaconnections.com for locations. Thanks to Havana Connections, the film crew for Killing Kennedy didn't have to sneak into Cuba. "They called us looking for a cigar, and we tried to explain what Kennedy smoked, which is Cuban," owner George Koebel says. Cuban cigars are now illegal in the United States, but "we sold them cigars that are similar in size," Koebel says. 2. Mona Lounge 3. (Tie) Cigar Realm; Richmond Cigar Factory Best Shop for Anniversary Gifts for Women Schwarzschild Jewelers 11800 W. Broad St., 967-0800; 1200 Alverser Plaza, 344-0150; 3144 W. Cary St., 355-2136 Co-owner Lane Schiffman encourages women to put together a top-to-bottom list of favorite jewelry at the shop to eliminate the guessing game for their potential gift-givers. For a husband on the hunt," it's almost like a menu," Schiffman says. "He can order an appetizer, he can order an entrée or a full five-course meal." 2. Fink's Jewelers 3. (Tie) Capri Jewelers; Vera's Fine Jewelers Best Place To Buy a Suit Franco's Fine Clothier 5321 Lakeside Ave., 264-2994; 11800 W. Broad St., 364-9400 After purchasing an Italian-made suit at the Richmond shop, hop on a plane to owner Franco Ambrogi's bed-and-breakfast in Diecimo, Italy, to experience the real thing. "He ends up playing host to customers," says son Mark Ambrogi. 2. (Tie) Jos. A. Bank; Men's Wearhouse 3. Brooks Brothers Best Place To Buy a Cocktail Dress Lex's of Carytown 3020 W. Cary St., 355-5425 Along with extending the shop to the unit next door last August, Lex's doubled their line of cocktail dresses. "We've got over 1,000 square feet dedicated to cocktail wear," owner Lisa McSherry says. The most popular summer look? "Short, baby doll-style dresses with beaded cap sleeves." 2. Nordstrom 3. Saks Fifth Avenue Best Bookstore To Find Local Authors Chop Suey Books 2913 W. Cary St., 422-8066 The Carytown bookstore carries about 30 new and more than 50 used books by local authors. "We sell a lot to people who are visiting," owner Ward Tefft says. "They come in here and take a piece of Richmond home with them." 2. Fountain Bookstore 3. Barnes & Noble Best Manicurist Bombshell 10 S. Crenshaw Ave., 342-0051; 2243 Old Brick Rd., 360-0051 Despite the fact that manicures are done in an upstairs Tiki lounge outfitted with Elvis memorabilia at the salon's Carytown location, owner Melissa Black says the new Short Pump location gets more traffic. "We're so booked there that we're looking to expand in the South Side near Brandermill by the spring," she says. 2. Atir Natural Nail Care Clinic 3. Beth Hammill, Nesbit Salon Best Women's Boutique Pink 3158 W. Cary St., 358-0884 "We provide women with an individual and ever-evolving sense of style and confidence," owner Libby Sykes said from the phone in New York City, where she was scouting Steven Allen and Rebecca Taylor showrooms. The Pink sales staff travels to California and Atlanta to buy products for the store as well. 2. Need Supply Co. 3. It's Chic Again! Consignment Best Quick Gift Items Mongrel 2924 W. Cary St., 342-1272 Over the course of 22 years, Mongrel has collected gifts for almost every occasion, but when they don't have an exact match, they'll improvise. Someone came in looking for a card to congratulate a friend on her recent boob job. Co-owner Stan McCulloch explains their solution: "We gave them a card from the baby section that said, ‘Congratulations On Your Twins!' " 2. Tweed 3. World of Mirth Best Consignment Clothing Store Clementine 3118 W. Cary St., 358-2357 The women's consignment boutique celebrates 10 years in Carytown this year, and like the clothes on the sales floor, its stylish sensibility only gets better with time. "We have access to the best closets in metro Richmond — and even as far as D.C. and Virginia Beach," co-owner Jane Crooks says. 2. It's Chic Again! Consignment 3. The Hall Tree Best Store Customer Service Nordstrom 11812 W. Broad St., 364-6900 Nordstrom offers free half-hour appointments with personal stylists who will customize a shopping trip that fits your style and budget. After registering online, your new fashion-savvy friend will contact you within 24 hours to schedule a time and discuss your fashion needs. All you have to do is show up to a fully stocked dressing room and leave with a fabulous new look. 2. Vera's Fine Jewelers 3. It's Chic Again! Consignment Best Local App NBC 12 In April, the local news station added live streaming to their breaking news and weather apps. "We've seen a huge uptick [of subscribers] as more people are turning to their mobile devices for live video," director of new media Ray Daudani says, adding that the weather tracking component is the most popular. 2. Elixir 2. Local Suds Best Barre Classes Corner Barre (formerly Local Barre) 3466 Lauderdale Drive, 360-3820 The core-intensive, non-impact workout draws from aspects of yoga, ballet and Pilates to develop long, lean muscles. "You're doing toning, lifting and sculpting through muscle contractions rather than movement," co-owner Bronwyn Lloyd Conway says of the classes that incorporate a ballet barre. 2. Richmond Barre 3. ACAC Best Personal Trainer Scott Williams, ACAC 11621 Robious Road, 378-1600; 2201 Old Brick Road, 464-0990 On June 4, the 50-year-old personal trainer was driving his Triumph Rocket III motorcycle home from a tennis match when he was T-boned on Robious Road. "I went flying," Williams says, adding that he landed 30 feet from his totaled bike. Despite the impact of the crash, Williams only broke his wrist. "My strength saved my life," he says. 2. David Neal, ACAC Salespeople Best Suited To Implement a Wardrobe Makeover Nordstrom 11812 W. Broad St., 364-6900 If you scored a new job or just have to look your best for a special event, allow Nordstrom at Short Pump to pamper you with their free clothing and cosmetic styling services. Nordstrom Reward cardholders also receive access to exclusive events and free alterations. 2. Need Supply Co. 3. Saks Fifth Ave. Best Handbags Coach 9200 Stony Point Parkway, 323-6722 After five years at Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe, Stuart Vevers was named as the new executive creative director at Coach in June. "Coach is an exceptional brand and company that I've long admired for its rich heritage," Vevers told Women's Wear Daily. "I am excited to drive Coach's next stage of transformation." 2. Nordstrom 3. (Tie) Artisan Handbags & Accessories; Saks Fifth Avenue Best Statement Jewelry Selection Vera's Fine Jewelers 16701 Midlothian Turnpike, 794-5671 Pink tourmalines and orange padparadscha sapphires are just a few of the vibrant gems at the Midlothian fine jewelry shop, but don't let the candy colors mislead you. Co-owner Vera Caniglia says you won't find anything synthetic in her shop. "We only carry natural stones," she says. 2. Penelope 3. (Tie) Capri, Carreras, Francesa's and Lex's Best Overall Salon Bombshell 10 S. Crenshaw Ave., 342-0051 Bombshell offers an extensive range of services, including hair styling and coloring, airbrush tanning and Brazilian waxing that owner Melissa Black claims is "practically painless." The salon also looks like it's out of the 1950s, so you can feel like a Marilyn Monroe or a Jerry Lee Lewis while getting pampered. "I've always been interested in the pin-up and the rockabilly sensibility. It's a scene that's timeless and attracts everyone," says Black. 2. Mango 3. Imago Best Shop for Anniversary Gifts for Men Capri Jewelers 11525 W. Broad St., 364-6000 The locally owned shop is known for its bridal jewelry collection, but marketing and public relations director Anna Elko says men might be surprised to find some pieces of their own. "Men have more selection than they ever had in the past," she says, citing Scott Kay silver, Ebel watches and Tacori wedding bands as just a few carried at the shop. 2. Mongrel 3. (Tie) Bass Pro Shops; Green Top Best Handmade Gifts Ten Thousand Villages 3201 W. Cary St., 358-5170 In the 10 years that she has worked at Ten Thousand Villages, executive director Karin Taylor has visited Bangladesh, India and Peru to meet local artisans and learn about their crafts. "When I come back, I look at the products in the store in a totally different way," she says. "That basket isn't just a basket. I know the faces and hands behind it." 2. Quirk Gallery 3. All Fired Up Best Budget Day Spa Glow Med Spa 5109 Lakeside Ave., 262-0330; 201 Towne Center West Blvd., 360-1144; 3202 W. Cary St., 262-0330 In July, the spa opened a new location in Carytown focused exclusively on waxing. "We've been known for doing one of the best Brazilian waxes in town," owner Shia Noth says, adding that there is more than a month-long waiting list for Brazilians at their first two locations. 2. Bombshell 3. Massage En Best Auto Body Shop Baugh Auto Body 6018 W. Broad St., 285-8045 The family-run business grew on June 13 when owner Gerry Baugh's first grandson was born. "We all have a hand in the business, so I would say he'll have a hand as well," Gerry's daughter Ashley says of her nephew, Waylon. 2. (Tie) Bruce's Super Body Shop; Conner Brothers Collision Centers 3. Burleigh's Body Shop Best Place To Buy Your Boyfriend/Husband Clothes Franco's Fine Clothier 5321 Lakeside Ave., 264-2994; 11800 W. Broad St., 364-9400 After more than 40 years of business, Franco's has earned the reputation as Richmond's premier shop for fine men's clothing. Owner Mark Ambrogi attributes the business' success to its employees: "They know how to ask the proper questions to gauge how a customer wants to portray themselves based on where they work and play." 2. (Tie) Need Supply Co.; Peter-Blair 3. Nordstrom Best Store for Designer Trunk Shows Saks Fifth Avenue 9214 Stony Point Pkwy., 320-6960 Saks Fifth Avenue hosts several trunk shows per year, where designers showcase new clothing lines for previews and preorders. In the past they have brought representatives from Escada, Max Mara and Armani. "Our clients love the exclusivity of our shows, says Marketing Director Cheryl Slokker. "It's like bringing a bit of New York fashion to Richmond." 2. Roan 3. Need Supply Co. Best Local Etsy Shop Raising Green Kids Dornida Bredbenner launched her Etsy business in 2011 to inspire others to pursue environmentally friendly and healthy lives. "My favorite product I sell is called ‘unpaper towels.' They're cloth towels that have snaps you link together, and then roll up like regular paper towels, but instead of throwing them away, you just wash them," says Bredbenner. 2. Milk & Honey Luxuries 3. D Is for Dino Best Place To Get a Hem Done George's Alteration Shop 1344 Gaskins Road, 741-0992 George Livaniou has served as Richmond's go-to tailor for more than 50 years. He can mend suits, wedding dresses and everything in between. "I've worked on a dog collar before. I work on anything you bring me," Livaniou says. All work is usually done in two to three days, and he says if you're not satisfied, he will re-alter until it's perfect. 2. Mitchem Shoe Repair 3. Natale's Alteration Express Best Tattoo Shop River City Tattoo According to the Today show, Richmond ranks as the third most-inked city in the country, and with seven locations throughout the region, River City Tattoo is committed to preserving that reputation. Their shops have thousands of patterns as well as custom designs, and they also claim the largest body-piercing jewelry selection on the East Coast. 2. Salvation Tattoo Gallery 3. Lucky 13 Tattoo Best Vacuum Cleaner Repair (Tie) All Brands Sew & Vac ; Vac City All Brands Sew & Vac, 8079 W Broad St., 270-1882; Vac City, 8917 Forest Hill Ave., 272-3002, or 1561 N. Parham Road, 673-5300 All Brands Sew & Vac has been repairing Richmond's vacuums and sewing machines for 45 years. They service all machines regardless of brand or age, and also offer classes for kids and adults. Vac City, too, works on any brand of machine you bring them and carries a large selection of cleaning supplies, filters, bags and belts for DIY maintenance. 2. Vacuum Systems 3. Willett Vacuum Best Bank Customer Service Virginia Credit Union More than 12,000 people participated in the credit union's financial-education seminars last year. "We believe strongly in the power of knowledge," executive vice president Chris Shockley says of the free-to-members seminars that cover investing, budgeting, home buying and more. 2. Wells Fargo 3. Union First Market Best Carpet Cleaning Stanley Steemer Stanley Steamer not only cleans carpet in your house, boat or RV but also offers cleaning services for hardwood floors, air ducts and furniture. Getting a full cleaning done not only extends the life of your house and fabrics but can also enhance your health by removing pollen and dust allergens. 2. Chem-Dry of Richmond 3. On the Spot Best Hair Colorist Anna Jacobs, BODY2SOUL 5111 Lakeside Ave., 262-2242 BODY2SOUL uses Aveda products, which are made from plants for a more natural hair color. The salon works on both male and female hair, and waxing and custom styling are also offered. 2. Mary Jo Myers-Battiston, Imago 3. Jillian Edwards Woolcott, Bombshell Best Shirt Laundry Service Puritan Cleaners With 13 locations throughout the Richmond area and free home delivery service, Puritan cleaners can always ensure you'll look your freshest. "A number of times, we've had customers need last-minute cleaning for meetings and trips and have made deliveries late at night and at airports," Director of Operations Norman Way says. They also offer services beyond cleaning, including wedding gown and heirloom preservation, winter clothes storage, and alterations. 2. HandCraft Cleaners 3. Bill's Cleaners & Laundry Best Shoe Repair Mitchem Shoe Repair 3135 W. Cary St., 355-6117 Wish you could put your shoes in a time machine back to the day they were shiny and new? Mitchem resoles, retreads and cleans scuffs off your favorite pair of shoes after years of continued wear. The shop performs alterations, too, offering a one-stop shop to keep your finest ensemble in shape. 2. Connie's Shoe Repair 3. Stan's Shoe Repair Best Pharmacy Services CVS With 50 locations in the Richmond region and the largest retail awards program in the country, CVS has the market covered. In February, the company extended its popular Extra Care program to the pharmacy and health departments, offering five "ExtraBucks" to be used throughout the store for every 10 prescriptions filled at the pharmacy. 2. Walgreen's 3. Westbury Pharmacy Best Local Digital Archiving for Photos Richmond Camera 213 W. Broad St., 648-0515, 3128 W. Cary St., 355-5793 While there are few things than can generate more nostalgia than a family photo album, they also can be inconvenient to store, their photos subject to yellowing and fading over the years. Richmond Camera offers a wide range of services to digitize photo collections, whether you have prints or negatives. They have film-to-DVD services for those old home videos on VHS, too. Best Lingerie Shop Blythe Exquisite Linens and Lingerie 11713 W. Broad St., 364-1717 The lingerie boutique that opened in the West End eight years ago doesn't stop at DD. "Our goal is to cater to all shapes and sizes," store manager Anna Handress says of the shop that carries AA to K cups and bands from 28 to 56 inches. 2. Victoria's Secret 3. Kiss & Make-up Prettiest Store Interior Tweed 4035 Lauderdale Drive, 249-3900 The day doesn't end after business hours at Tweed. "It's not unusual to see the lights on here at midnight," vice president of operations Kate Stottlemyer says of the time spent setting up the artfully arranged products. "The beautiful displays set us apart." 2. Anthropologie 3. Quirk Gallery Best Bicycle Mechanic Carytown Bicycle Co. 3112 W. Cary St., 440-2453 Carytown Bicycle Co. works on all makes, models and years. "We know cycling is an important part of a lot of our customers' lifestyles, so we strive to do all repairs within a day or two," says Carytown Bicycle Company owner Braden Govoni. For those who prefer to be their own mechanic, they also stock a large selection of tools, components and lubricants. 2. Agee's Bicycles 3. Pibby's Bicycle & Skate Best Assisted Living Community Westminster Canterbury 1600 Westbrook Ave., 264-6000 Westminster Canterbury blurs the lines between retirement community and vacation resort. Their 900 residents have access to a fitness center, indoor pool, several restaurants, a 300-seat theater and a doctor's office. "Our residents are really active and engaged in the area," says Kelly Merricks, director of resource development. 2. Brandermill Woods 3. Cedarfield Best Local Sale of the Year (Tie) Dillard's ; Saxon Shoes Dillard's, 9208 Stony Point Pkwy., 253-1860 or 11824 W. Broad St., 253-0182; Saxon Shoes, 11800 W. Broad St., 285-3473 Dillard's event on Jan. 1, during which both their Richmond locations take 50 percent off merchandise already on sale, is undoubtedly their biggest. If shoes are more your thing, Saxon Shoes takes 25 percent to 50 percent off nearly all their merchandise every November and June. "When we open on those days, the line is always out the door," says manager Amanda Weiner. 2. J. Crew warehouse sale 3. Tweed Best Skin-Care Aesthetician Shia Noth, Glow Med Spa 201 Towne Center West, Suite 705, 360-1144; 5109 Lakeside Ave., 262-0330; 3202 W. Cary St., 262-0330 Shia Noth says educating her clients on their skin is one of the most important parts of her job. Whether she's performing a chemical peel or laser resurfacing, she gives them the lowdown on how the process will affect their skin. "We want people to know why their skin is behaving the way it is," Noth says. 2. Lisa-Marie Eisinger, Glow Med Spa 3. Blair Harris, Bombshell Best Shop for Makeup/Cosmetics Ulta Beauty Marketing expert Mary Dillon was named CEO of the fast-growing beauty superstore in July, after former CEO Chuck Rubin left for arts and crafts retailer Michaels. Dillon was credited with expanding McDonald's digital and social media presence when she served as the executive vice president of the restaurant chain. 2. Sephora 3. Nordstrom Best Hairstylist Mary Jo Myers-Battiston, Imago 2602 W. Main St. 355-1040 Mary Jo Myers-Battiston learned curly hair must be cut dry the hard way. "My sister has incredibly curly hair, and the first time I did her hair, I was fresh out of beauty school and did it wet, and it shrunk up. Thankfully she just laughed," says Myers-Battiston, who oversees Imago, a salon that specializes in naturally curly hair. 2. Anna Jacobs, BODY2SOUL 3. Jillian Edwards Woolcott, Bombshell
