Best Art Gallery

WINNER: DEZART ONE GALLERY

2699 Cherokee Way, Palm Springs 328-1440

This exciting gallery specializes in contemporary and modern art with an aesthetic environment that makes this an art lovers' choice for gallery going.

Finalists

RE Welch, 73-680 El Paseo, Palm Desert, 341-8141

Coda Gallery, 73-151 El Paseo, Palm Desert, 346-4661

Best Children's Clothing

WINNER: OLD NAVY

Old Navy, 72-349 Highway 111, Palm Desert, 776-1538

This chain is known for its reasonable yet fashionable designs. Kids clothes here are rugged and fun, from baby cargos to animal hoodies.

Finalists

Blonde, 71-800 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, 836-3366

Target, three locations valleywide

Limited Too, 72-840 Highway 111 # F191, Palm Desert, 776-5179

Best Florist

WINNER: J. BALLOW SIGNATURE FLORIST

42-458 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, 568-6929

Still reigning as the leading purveyor of all things floral for every event, this florist has been serving the valley for more than three decades.

Finalists

Palm Springs Florist, 894 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 325-7441

Jensen's, three locations valleywide - More Company information

Best Furniture Store

WINNER: THOM HOME

41-945 Boardwalk, Suite P, Highway 111, Palm Desert, 340-6999

They call themselves a design showroom, a great resource for those wanting to find their own special home furnishings - from traditional to transitional to modern.

Finalists

Mathis Brothers Furniture, 81-410 Highway 111, Indio, 863-3500

Legacy Home Furnishings, 72-115 Highway 111, Palm Desert, 776-6877

Best Grocery Chain

WINNER: STATER BROS.

Five locations valleywide: 69-255 Ramon Road, Cathedral City, 770-9950; 13200 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs, 329-1533; 81-056 Highway 111, Indio, 347-5823; 78-630 Highway 111, La Quinta, 564-5388; 1717 E. Vista Chino, Palm Springs, 416-2251

The county's largest supermarket chain, it's been in the valley for nearly three decades. They call themselves the "low price leader," which may be why you voted them No. 1.

Finalists

Ralphs, seven locations valleywide

Albertsons, seven locations valleywide

Best Home Accessory Store

WINNER: HOME GOODS

Washington Street & 42nd Avenue, Bermuda Dunes, 772-2047

They boast thousands of items to fill your home, from furniture to accessories - in every style. The prices are great too.

Finalists

Bed Bath and Beyond, two locations valleywide

The Alley, two locations valleywide

Best Jewelry Store

WINNER: LEEDS & SON

73-670 El Paseo, Palm Desert, 568-5266

Located in the valley for more than 60 years, this family-owned store recently moved to a gorgeous new showroom and is known for its attention to personal service and high quality.

Finalists

Definitions, 42454 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, 776-5151

Tiffany & Co., 73585 El Paseo, Palm Desert, 341-3444

Best Kitchen Shop

WINNER: KITCHEN KITCHEN

74-921 Highway 111, Indian Wells, 773-9464

Tools, toys and things you didn't even know you had to have jump off the cleverly stocked shelves at this kitchen store extravaganza. Even a non-chef is inspired to create a masterpiece meal.

Finalists

Upper Crust, 73-540 El Paseo, Palm Desert, 568-1998

Williams Sonoma, 73-505 El Paseo, Palm Desert, 862-1290

Best Nursery

WINNER: MOLLER'S GARDEN CENTER

72-235 Painter's Path, Palm Desert 406-4438

Family owned since 1973, the nursery that could double as a botanical garden is tucked away against the mountains. Enjoy a walk through its selection of cacti, citrus and orchids among the fountains.

Finalists

Bob Williams Nursery, 48575 Madison Street, Indio, 347-6397

Vintage Nursery, 78755 Darby Road, Bermuda Dunes, 345-8581

Best Pet Store

WINNER: PETSMART

Two locations valleywide: 34-900 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert, 324-3059; 79-375 Highway 111, La Quinta, 771-4058

The ultimate pet supermarket, it's all here from leashes to grooming. And you can bring your pet along to supervise the purchases.

Finalists

Three Dog Bakery, 73-613 Highway 111, Palm Desert, 776-9899

Cold Nose Warm Heart, 187 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 327-7747

Best Place to Buy Chocolate

WINNER: SEE'S CANDIES

Two locations valleywide: 144 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 325-6211; Westfield Palm Desert, 72-480 Highway 111, Palm Desert, 340-1322

There is nothing more comforting than that familiar black-and-white decor and the smell of chocolate.

Finalists

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, 71-800 Highway 111, Suite A-142, Rancho Mirage, 346-2929

Cafe Chocolat, 515 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 320-8889

Best Place to Buy Wine

WINNER: OLD TOWN CELLAR WINES & CIGARS

78-015 Main St., La Quinta, 771-8950

This fine wine shop with high quality and good prices is also the spot to linger with friends over a glass of wine or enjoy a tasting.

Finalists

Tulip Hill Winery, 71-800 Highway 111, Suite A-125, Rancho Mirage, 568-5678

Vino 100, 68718 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City, 321-5478

Best Specialty Food Store

WINNER: TRADER JOE'S

Three locations valleywide: 46-400 Washington, La Quinta, 777-1553; 67-720 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City, 202-0900; 44-150 Town Center Way, Palm Desert, 340-2291

Healthy food, reasonable prices, wine deals and great selections, Trader Joe's offers something for everyone and gets more popular every day.

Finalists

Bristol Farms, 73-101 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, 674-0169

Jensen's Finest Foods, five locations valleywide - More Company information

Best Thrift Store

WINNER: REVIVALS RESALE MART

Four locations valleywide: 73-608 Highway 111, Palm Desert, 346-8690; 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 318-6430; 68-100 Ramon Road, Cathedral City, 328-1330; 68-401 Highway 111, Cathedral City, 969-5747

Lots of great bargains and incredible treasures - from designer castoffs to books.

Finalists

Angel View Thrift Marts, 73-468 Terraza Drive, Palm Desert, 776-9620

St. Margaret's Cellar Door, 72-014 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, 773-0501

Best Toy Store

WINNER: TOYS R US

72-314 Highway 111, Palm Desert, 346-1122

We all want to be Toys R Us kids. This supermarket for all things kids carries major brands in everything from action figures to Hot Wheels.

Finalists

Target, three locations valleywide

Mr. G's for Kids, 180 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 320-9293

Best Women's Shoe Store

WINNER: DSW

Two locations valleywide: 79-150 Highway 111, La Quinta, 564-4702; 72-399 Highway 111, Palm Desert, 340-3217

A wide selection of discount designer brands makes these two stores very popular for the shoe-conscious woman (and find one who isn't). Don't miss the sales - the best around.

Finalists

E&J's Designer Shoe Outlet, 44-100 Town Center Way, Palm Desert, 773-5053

Snookie's Footsies, two locations valleywide