Best of 225 2012: Shopping services

Tony’s Seafood (66.9%)

Donaldsonville native Tony Pizzolato has been selling a bounty of seafood in Baton Rouge for more than 50 years, and his massive outlet on Plank Road remains a trusted resource for fresh catfish, crab meat, shrimp and oysters, red fish and tuna steaks, plus boiled crawfish, crabs, plate lunches and party trays. Pizzolato wasn’t always known as the city’s “seafood guy,” though. The first retail operation he opened in 1959 was a fruit stand. tonyseafood.com

Runners-up: Whole Foods Market (11.7%), LA Boilers (8.4%)

Paris Parker / Aveda Salons and Spas (30.8%)

Serving Baton Rouge from four locations, Paris Parker is a local favorite for its skilled stylists and vast array of health and beauty products. A previous Best of 225 winner, Paris Parker is known for its commitment to Aveda’s world-renowned salon experience.
parisparker.com

Runners-up: Rigsby Frederick Salon, Spa, and Gallery (16.6%), Avallon Salon and Day Spa (9%), The Gallery Salon and Day Spa (8.7%), Lux Salon and Spa (6.7%)

Merci Beaucoup (20.5%)

Looking for that perfect handbag or a necklace that really makes a statement? Merci Beaucoup in Towne Center promises the latest fashions for all occasions—including collegiate and Greek pretties, too. mercib.com

Runners-up: Bella Bella (18.1%), Frock Candy (15.4%), Head Over Heels (8.8%), Apricot Lane (7.9%)

Bella Bella (17.3%)

It’s all about the LBD—little black dress. But where to find the best selection of event and cocktail attire? Whether you’re looking for a little game-day glam or getting ready for ball season, stop by one of Bella Bella’s three Baton Rouge locations. Bella Bella also carries shoes and accessories. facebook.com/bellabellaboutiques

Runners-up: Chatta Box Boutique 11.6%, Stella Boutique (10.8%), Frock Candy (9.9%), NK Boutique (7.2%)

The Royal Standard (47.6%)

Graduation, birthday, bridal and more—this frequent Best of 225 favorite has Baton Rougeans covered. Shop at either of the Royal Standard’s two locations to find the perfect gift, then treat yourself with something from their wide selection of unique décor, furniture and fashion. theroyalstandard.com

Runners-up: Red Door Interiors (17.3%), Sanctuary Home & Gifts (7%), Merci Beaucoup (5.6%), Red Onion (5.3%)

Apricot Lane (54.7%)

Specializing in denim, tops and accessories, the new Jefferson Highway location of Apricot Lane offers a wide selection of premium brands. From stylish moms to the college crowd, this new boutique offers hot trends for all. apricotlanebatonrouge.com

Runners-up: Piperfields (18.1%), RussoRoss (15.1%)

Petz Plaza (34%)

Leaving Rover can be hard. Petz Plaza makes it easier. Our readers’ favorite pet hotel offers spacious, air-conditioned runs, a dog cookie during yappy hour and, of course, privacy for our feline friends. petzplaza.com

Runners-up: Sherwood South Animal Hospital (16.7%), Kleinpeter Veterinary Hospital (15.6%)

Bumble Lane (25.4%)

Readers chose it as their favorite day spa in our 2009 and 2011 surveys, and this year Bumble Lane gets recognized again for treating readers’ bodies just right. bumblelane.com

Runners-up: Paris Parker / Aveda Salons and Spas (17.7%), Classy Nails (14.1%), The Gallery Salon and Day Spa (8.1%), Exotic Nails (7.9%)

Bumble Lane (42.8%)

This Towne Center relaxation retreat offers spa parties, specialty massages—including Thai, pre-natal and a “rolling stone” massage— and a menu of unique scrubs and wraps like the “Salt of the Earth” and “Coffee and Creme.” bumblelane.com

Runners-up: Paris Parker / Aveda Salons and Spas (17.7%), Classy Nails (14.1%), The Gallery Salon and Day Spa (8.1%), Exotic Nails (7.9%)

Yoglates / Yoglates II (36.6%)

Teaching a combination of calisthenics, yoga and pilates, both Yoglates locations seek to improve strength, flexibility and balance. With early morning, lunch and evening classes, there are plenty of opportunities to break a sweat. yoglates2.com

Runners-up: Woman’s Center for Wellness (23.8%), Yoga Bliss (20.1%)