Shopping

Founded (locally): 2006
Owner: Publicly traded. John Mackey is the CEO.

Whole Foods has won numerous accolades for its commitment to green enterprise. The elimination of plastic bags for Earth Day last year and quick response to consumer concerns about sustainability ranks it high on lists of environmentally responsible companies.

Whole Foods Market 23.48%
2nd place: Maxwell’s Market, two locations 22.11%
3rd place: Calandro’s Supermarket, two locations 15.30%

National natural food chain Whole Foods Market comes out in the lead once again, but just barely, with local foodie fave Maxwell’s Market within spitting distance of the top spot. Both stores offer mounds of fresh produce and massive delicatessens that will turn “What’s for dinner tonight?” into an existential crisis. Don’t skip their pre-prepped food sections with dozens of kebabs, stuffed meats, salads and sweets. And don’t neglect third-place Calandro’s; winner of Best Grocery yet again this year, they have plenty to offer the discerning shopper.

Founded: 2004
Owners: Sally and Art Conklin, Dennis Hargroder, Danny McGlynn

This art store takes the recycling concept seriously—the building itself is a renovated drug store (formerly Griffon’s), with architecture dating from the 1920s.

Circa 1857 25.03%
2nd place: Baton Rouge Arts Market/Farmer’s Market 20.37%
3rd place: Ann Connelly Fine Art, 4221 Perkins Rd., 927-7676 13.99%

If the idea of visiting an art gallery makes you say “meh,” Circa 1857 should chase away your doldrums. This shop is so gorgeous you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a living canvas. Original paintings by talented local artists like Kathy Daigle and Nancy Smitherman are just the tip of the iceberg—everything from pottery to recycled sculpture to handmade jewelry is available for sale. Art to hang on your wall or around your neck there’s something for everyone here. Nestled among other like-minded shops, Circa’s emphasis on community is what the art scene in this city should be about. The many who answered “don’t know” to this survey question owe themselves a closer look.

Founded: 1998
Owners: Mark and Krista Pierce

Husband and wife team Mark and Krista Pierce got their start when Mark was in graduate school in Scotland—a few overseas antiques selections for friends soon evolved into a thriving business plan. Soon they were renting houses in New Orleans to hold weekend sales, before throwing themselves into managing a small business full-time. Trips to Europe to pick out new pieces are still done several times a year.

The Royal Standard 36.26%
2nd place: Circa 1857, 1857 Government St., 387-8667 14.55%
3rd place: Red Door Interiors, 5210 Corporate Blvd., 201-9333 14.19%

Prepare to be dazzled by all that’s on display—last year’s winners The Royal Standard have won yet again with aplomb. Scented candles, handmade handbags and one-of-a-kind jewelry are just some of the swag you can find here. If you can’t find just the right item, runner-up Circa 1857 offers same-but-different selection with a kitschy twist, and third-place Red Door Interiors is a spectacular place to pick up a housewarming present you won’t find anywhere else. The unique items offered for sale at these great local shops are sure to make your gifts favorites among friends and family alike.

Founded: 1941
Owners: Sonny, Blaise, Charles, and Mark Calandro

Calandro’s is the oldest family-?owned grocery in Baton Rouge still in operation. Maybe it’s that personal touch that keeps it at No. 1.

Calandro’s Supermarket 28.83%
2nd place: Martin Wine Cellar, 7248 Perkins Palms, 926-4053 17.98%
3rd place: Marcello’s Wine Market, 3911 Perkins Rd., 346-5941 15.81%

All four years we’ve run this poll, Calandro’s has never dipped in quality or expertise. Why else would they be voted to the top four years in a row? This local supermarket has been pleasing even hard-core aficionados since their doors opened in 1941 with their broad selection. Martin Wine Cellar and Marcello’s, local epicure havens both, placed well behind Calandro’s, though their judgment and their wide array of imported vintages is nothing to sneeze at.

Founded: 1938
Owner: David Gochman, CEO

Now one of the largest sporting goods stores in the country, Academy was originally a tire company before moving into military surplus. It wasn’t until 1984 that it began to sell the sporting goods that it’s now known for.

Academy Sports & Outdoors 34.14%
2nd place: Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, 175 Bass Pro Blvd. in Denham Springs, 271-3100 15.28%
3rd place: Dick’s Sporting Goods, 9330 Mall of Louisiana Blvd., 766-9100 12.16%

Louisiana is the sportsman’s paradise—someone has to keep us supplied, right? Academy fulfills that task admirably, with everything from hunting and fishing equipment to football gear. Need a tent for backyard camping? A new golf bag? Whatever your preferred hobby, this big-box store has you covered (literally) from head to toe.

Calandro’s Supermarket 29.44%
2nd place: Whole Foods Market, 7529 Corporate Blvd., 218-0452 27.02%
3rd place: Calvin’s Bocage Market, 7675 Jefferson Hwy., 927-2051 13.49%

Baton Rouge supports the little guy this year, selecting Calandro’s over last year’s winner, Whole Foods. The little neighborhood market that still has customer charge accounts flourishes in two locations, each with a large deli and fresh bakery section. It’s the perfect place to do the bulk of your weekly shopping while picking up that obscure ingredient you need to make your recipes taste just right. Missing something? Talk to owner Sonny Calandro, and he’ll do his darnedest to get it in for you. You won’t get that sort of service at Wal-Mart. And Calvin Lindsey’s homegrown supermarket has built a loyal following thanks to creamy chicken salad that’s as decadent as pate.

Founded: 2005
Owner: Kay Krill, CEO

This New England-based chain takes its name from a best-selling dress at the founder’s father’s store. The name was conferred from father to son for luck, and also for aesthetics—Ann was considered a New England-esque name, and Taylor was meant to evoke well-?tailored clothing.

Ann Tayor Loft 29.78%
2nd place: Talbot’s, multiple locations 20.51%
3rd place: White House/Black Market, multiple locations 15.34%

When it’s time for a new wardrobe, local ladies have a fixed destination in mind. Casual but classy, Ann Taylor Loft offers miles of style without emptying your pocketbook in the process. Little wonder they’ve scooped up their second win in as many years. But trendy as Ann Taylor is, our second- and third-place winners can’t be counted out—Talbot’s and White House/Black Market are also great places to pick up quality closet essentials. What’s more, each store has a location within walking distance of one another in Towne Center, making that new look you’re after an exercise in convenience.

Owner: William Dillard II, CEO
Founded: 1938

This department store chain grew from humble origins in Little Rock to the 330-store behemoth it is today. Nonetheless, the Dillard family remains at the helm.

Dillard’s 31.08%
2nd place: DSW, 9330 Mall of Louisiana Blvd., Ste. 300, 769-0360 17.91%
3rd place: Imelda’s, 7865 Jefferson Hwy., 923-3737 17.73%

With a dizzying array of styles, Dillard’s may have won by strength of selection alone. Do you go with the black patent Michael Kors peep-toe heels, or the gold J Vincent wedge sandals? Whichever you decide, you might want to check out second-placer DSW before you commit—they offer designer kicks at sometimes-shocking discounts. This brand-spankin’-new hoofery even beat out sassy southern shoe supplier Imelda’s, albeit by a hair’s breadth.