Best of 2008… The Best Shopping

Best Clothing Store: Forever 21 Forever 21 is a store specializing in fashion and accessories… Best Clothing Store: Forever 21 Forever 21 is a store specializing in fashion and accessories for both men and women. The nearest Forever 21 to the Pitt campus is located at SouthSide Works, providing the Pittsburgh area with the latest styles and trends by changing its stock daily. ‘I like Forever 21 because it’s pretty affordable and they have a good selection,’ said freshman Paulina Gonzales. With more than 400 locations in 15 countries, Forever 21 is popular with a much wider audience than just Pitt students. -by Sarah Simkin Editors’ Pick- Hip’Tique Best Shoe Store: New Balance Going to school in the city means lots of walking, which can wreak havoc on feet if they aren’t in something comfy. New Balance makes sure you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style. This centrally located sneaker emporium features a wide array of athletic apparel in addition to its shoes. Known for its extensive range of sizes (the blue awning outside boasts ‘Sizes 5-20, Widths 2A-6E’), New Balance stocks athletic sneakers, as well as more fashion forward daytime shoes. It also runs frequent specials, making sure students can afford to step out in style. -by Samantha Stahl Editors’ Pick- Littles Best Cell-Phone Vendor: Verizon Verizon might not sell the iPhone, but it certainly knows how to compensate. Verizon is known for its super-reliable service ‘mdash; customers can get cell reception even in the deepest South Oakland house parties. With a number of locations around Pittsburgh, Verizon is a convenient place to pick up one of the company’s latest phones, including the LG enV, Samsung Glyde, LG Dare or of course, the BlackBerry Storm. The Storm, BlackBerry’s first touch-screen smartphone, will hit stores later this month, exclusively for Verizon. -by Samantha Stahl Editors’ Pick- Apple Best Textbook Seller: Got Used Students who would rather jam out all semester instead of hitting the books should head over to Got Used Bookstore. ‘We like to stock fun stuff, too, like Guitar Hero,’ said Will Perkins, the assistant store manager. Diligent students don’t have to worry: Got Used has all your textbook needs as well. ‘We’re a little more casual than other places,’ said Perkins. ‘Other bookstores don’t let you browse the books.’ Perkins explained the key to its success in the competitive market is ‘just trying to be friendly and stock as many used books as we can.’ -by Samantha Stahl Editors’ Pick- Amazon.com Best Florist: Gidas Nestled in a tiny storefront on Forbes, Gidas is an oasis of plants and flowers. In the near-century that it has been open, Gidas discovered the knack of putting together the perfect bouquet for any occasion. The flower shop can tackle just about any plant-related demand and will make sure it does it with a smile. ‘I think people like our attention to detail and customer service,’ said assistant manager Jason Gidas. ‘We have good variety.’ With displays of teddy bears, candles and balloons, Gidas is guaranteed to have just the right gift for someone special. -by Samantha Stahl Editors’ Pick- Oakland Farmers Market Best Piercing/Tattoo shop: Hot Rod Piercing Company Providing quality piercings at affordable prices is the hallmark of the Hot Rod Piercing Company. The knowledgeable staff provides customers with the safest techniques in administering a wide variety of piercings. The company requires its piercers to attend Association of Professional Piercers seminars to receive information on up-to-date procedures and healing techniques, even though they are not required by state law. ‘We offer reasonable pricings with the highest quality jewelry on the market,’ said full-time employee Joe Kramer. ‘Piercing is what we do, and we do it because we care.’ -by Matt Chmura Editors’ Pick- Jester’s Court ‘ ‘ ‘ Best Drugstore/Pharmacy: CVS CVS is the on-campus hot spot for every student’s essential needs. With a clean and friendly atmosphere, accentuated by a recent remodeling, this corner store is open around the clock to provide unwavering, excellent customer service. Featuring a committed pharmaceutical staff, CVS offers over-the-counter medicine with quick service and reliability. Loyal customers are encouraged to join the ExtraCare program, which allows patrons to receive in-store credit and savings. Whether it is a late-night snack, photo development or prescription needs, CVS is there to serve with a smile and commitment to its customers. -by Matt Chmura Editors’ Pick- Schiller’s Pharmacy Best Dorm Shopping: Target With a nearby location at the Waterfront, Target is the logical and college-oriented place for every dorm’s decorum needs. Target’s dedicated staff offers a fast, fun and friendly atmosphere that allows students to get in and out without breaking their banks. No room is complete without littering the walls with posters and mirrors. Desks need lamps, and floors need throw rugs. Electronics and cleaning supplies go hand in hand in the dorm room realm. Target answers the question of collegiate essentials but also offers a bounty of self-expression and distraction. Target is quite simply the one-stop shop. -by Matt Chmura Editors’ Pick- Ikea Vintage clothing store: Avalon Exchange Ranging from grunge to glamour, the Avalon Exchange in Squirrel Hill won’t stretch wallets in search of the perfect outfit. From accessories to shoes and everything in between, this mecca of clothing provides excellent customer service and affordable apparel. Avalon Exchange will also purchase attire based on the style and demand for cash or in-store credit. ‘There is a continual flow of unique items coming into the store every day,’ said owner Stuart McLean. ‘From Monday to Monday, there can be 800 to 900 new pieces in the store.’ -by Matt Chmura Editors’ Pick- Yesterday’s News Best Grocery Store: IGA ‘ IGA is one of the newest stores to set up shop on Forbes Avenue. Since its opening this August, IGA grocery store provides a much-needed service in Oakland ‘mdash; one that it hasn’t seen in 11 years. The grocery store provides Pitt students with a close, convenient alternative to taking the bus to the nearby Giant Eagle or Trader Joe’s. Now, students can walk right down the street.’ Its second-floor location is a bit atypical for a food market, but its aisles are packed and the prices are low. And to all the readers who voted, owner Ron Levick said, ‘Thank you for supporting us!’ -by Alison Smyth Editors’ Pick- Pennsylvania Macaroni Best Shopping District: Waterfront Just a (debatably) short 59U bus ride away from Pitt’s campus is the Waterfront, where there’s the makings for a great night out. There’s dinner at the Rock Bottom Brewery, a flick at the AMC Loews Waterfront and coffee at Starbucks for those who appreciate the classics. There’s the Improv for the humor-seeker and Dave ‘amp; Buster’s for the young at heart. Of course, for the practical student, there’s Target, where students can find clean socks and dorm accessories. And who can forget the shopping at the Gap, Wet Seal and Filene’s Basement? There is a reason it’s the best. -by Alison Smyth Editors’ Pick- South Side Best Mall: The Mall at Robinson The Mall at Robinson houses all of the typical mall staples like H’amp;M, Foot Locker, Auntie Anne’s, Chick-Fil-A and Forever 21. But it also has a ‘Mall Walkers’ program that can get your name on a plaque at the mall ‘mdash; if you’re willing to be there at 7 a.m. for the meetings. The Mall at Robinson is offering a special ‘Private Shopping Experience’ for $5 on Nov. 23, with proceeds benefiting the Heritage Valley Health System. The five-dollar ticket gets customers BOGO offers and discounts of 10, 20 and 50 percent off of merchandise at stores like American Eagle and Borders, as well as free gift wrapping and the chance to sit on Santa’s lap. -by Alison Smyth Editors’ Pick- Ross Park Mall Best Hair Salon: Supercuts The staff of Supercuts is there to help Pitt students out, whether they’re looking for a stylish new look or just a simple trim. The Supercuts Web site promises a chic seasonal look with the message: ‘Look really, really good with that turkey leg in hand.’ But customers can look forward to a staff who works with customers to get that perfect cut all year long ‘mdash; even without the poultry. Located on Forbes Avenue, Supercuts is one of the closest salons to Pitt’s campus. And for that cut away from home, it’s the place to go. ‘Thank you for your continued business!’ said manager Nikki Kelly. ‘We greatly appreciate it!’ -by Alison Smyth Editors’ Pick- Hair Friends