Reader's Poll: Shopping

Adult Books & Novelties

Dreamers Apparently, our readers have been doing a little dreaming....3401 N. I-35, 469-0539

Antiques

Whit Hanks Antiques Once again, readers choose the classiest antiques joint in town as their favorite.1009 W. Sixth, 478-2101

Art Supplies

TIE: University Co—Op, Michael's Arts & Crafts The buy out by mega-book-lith Barnes & Noble was a myth. Meanwhile, the Co-op's Medical Arts branch has wowed artists with their lovely selection of supplies and fine papers.University Co-op, 2902 Medical Arts, 472-6156; Michael's, various locations

Bookstore (General)

Book People It bills itself as the largest independent bookstore in Texas, but once you deposit yourself in a certain genre, you're certain to feel right at home.603 N. Lamar, 472-5050

Bookstore (Specialty)

TIE: BookWoman, Book People

Chronicle readers know their specialty bookstores well, it seems; so well, in fact, that not only was there a tie for first place but for third as well (Austin Books, Lobo) with Fringeware coming in second.BookWoman, 918 W. 12th, 472-2785; Book People, 603 N. Lamar, 472-5050

Cigars/Smoking

Ruta Maya Coffee House Those who blow smoke in the face of the surgeon general prefer to do so at Ruta Maya, with Wiggy's and Cigar Palace placing as other dens of delight.218 W. Fourth, 472-9637

Cigars/Smoking Ruta Maya Coffee House photograph by Kenny Braun

Comics

Austin Books Last year, Austin Books tied for first with this year's second placer, Dragon's Lair. Booksource (winner in 1995) takes third.5002 N. Lamar, 454-4197

Comics Austin Books photograph by Kenny Braun

Consignment Store

Second Time Around First time around winners! Buffalo Exchange took second, no bull. Second Looks took third. Go figure!3704 Crawford, 451-6845

Costume Shop/Jewelry (Costume)

Lucy in Disguise/ Electric Ladyland

You say Lucy's neat-o for incognito and find that second placer the Bazaar is bizarre enough to keep your identity well-masked. Wiht regard to jewels: You say Lucy's fake jewels are so nice you'll want to pass them down through the family. You also love Eclectic and Emeralds enough to tie second.1506 S. Congress, 444-2002

Costume Chop/Jewelry (Costume) Lucy in Disguise photograph by Kenny Braun

Cowboy Boots

Allen's Boots Boots to make you feel like you could wrestle a bull blindfolded. Not that boots from runners-up Cavender's or Shepler's don't....1522 S. Congress, 447-1413

Gift Shop (High—end)

The Cadeau Could something be French (at least in name) and not be high-end and charming?2316 Guadalupe, 477-7276; 4001 N. Lamar, 453-6988

Gift Shop (Novelties)

Toy Joy The bright, visual cacophony and smell of new plastic makes every kid's pulse race.2900 Guadalupe, 320-0090

Hardware

Breed & Co. We like our hardware stores a little on the soft side — cluttered with espresso machines, lilac lotions, and chocolate bonbons.718 W. 29th, 474-6679

Imports

Pier 1 From around the world for around your house, Pier 1 is your first port of call. Local gateway to the corazón, Tesoros takes a close second.4965 W. Hwy 290, 891-9941; 9828 Great Hills Tr., 343-9003; 5789 Airport, 459-0306

Jewelry (Fine)

Benold's Jewelers The crown jewel of Austin's fine jewels, according to our readers, is Benold's, who beat out previous two-year winner Russell Korman.5228 Burnet, 452-6491;		 Brodie Oaks, 4220 S. Lamar, 443-1811; Arboretum, 10000 Research, 343-7171

Lingerie Shop

Victoria's Secret It's no secret that Vicky has once again swept this category. Not-too-shabby showings by the Bazaar, La Dolce, and Tabu.various locations

Music Business

Strait Music Stait has swept this category for the last four years — quite an accomplishment in a town filled with greats like runners-ups South Austin Music, MusicMakers, and Musical Exchange.805 W. Fifth, 476-6927

Pawn Shop

Doc Holliday's Dropping off or picking up, readers run to Doc Holliday's.various locations

Periodicals Rack

Book People Austin's Book People once again beats the national Goliath, Barnes & Noble, for a simply staggering selection of magazines, etc.603 N. Lamar, 472-5050

Pet Store

Bark n' Purr Pet Center Bark n' Purr is still the favorite of those who woof & mew.4604 Burnet, 452-2288

Pet Store Bark & Purr photograph by Kenny Braun

Record Store (Chain)

Tower Records A Tower of tunes clinches the competition as this year's favorite chain.2402 Guadalupe, 478-5711

Record Store (Local)

Waterloo Records A longtime readers' favorite, Waterloo carries all of your local (and not so local) music needs.600 N. Lamar, 474-2500

Shopping Center

Highland Mall Mallrats, unite. Highland is consumer Americana at its best and most air-conditioned.6001 Airport, 454-9656

Thrift Store

Goodwill Industries There is Goodwill in the hearts of Austinites when they are a-thrifting.300 N. Lamar, 472-6224

Vintage Clothing

Flipnotics Flipnotics regained first place, sending last year's winner Blue Velvet to second. New Bohemia shows well in third.1603 Barton Springs Rd., 322-9011