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Beauty Supplies

If an aging Wonder Woman wandered into Peninsula Beauty Supply seeking to touch up her roots, she'd need superpowers to choose among all the beauty products. Should she opt for L'Oreal's blue black or Satin's? For her ruby-red lips, she could try Sorme's Glamour Red. Then she could just have girl-fun, checking out the aisles of skin, hair and nail-care products. To create perfectly straight hair? She could try one of the universal flat irons, designed to be plugged in anywhere in the world. And in case her eyes start to fail, there are plenty of fashionable magnifying reading glasses. 250 University Ave., Palo Alto; 650-327-1454. www.peninsulabeauty.com


Bike Shop

In eco-friendly Palo Alto, bikes are a must for shuttling between work and home, home and the grocery store. With the store's variety of road, mountain, comfort, cruiser, cyclocross and kids' bikes, Mike's Bikes is the place to go. The Northern California chain, established in 1968, not only sells bikes but also supplies handy gadgets including car racks, locks, lights, training DVDs, pumps and nutrition bars. Mike's is also active in the act of giving and encourages customers to donate used bikes to the company's philanthropic programs throughout Africa, which supply bikes to those in need of transportation. 3001 El Camino Real, Palo Alto; 650-858-7700. www.mikesbikes.com


Hall of Fame: Second Year

Palo Alto grows more bicycle-friendly by the day, with an urge to go green blending with rider-oriented roads and routes. And as the city escalates its right to roll, Palo Alto Bicycles continues to be the area's pedal-power paradise. Coupling friendly, knowledgeable service with a diverse assortment of merchandise, Palo Alto Bicycles has earned its way into the Best Of Hall of Fame. The expansive website also features information for the local cycling community, making it easier than ever to get a handle on better biking. 171 University Ave., Palo Alto; 650-328-7411. www.paloaltobicycles.com


Bookstore

One of the linchpins of Menlo Park's downtown, Kepler's is a long-time favorite of Weekly readers, with its ample selection of books and magazines, helpful staff and airy accommodations. Kepler's brings a steady stream of high-profile authors to the Peninsula for book signings and readings and is a key part of the Shop Local campaign to keep independent businesses thriving. There's a cozy children's area and an expanded selection of gift items. Kepler's also cultivates the community through book clubs, family events, children's story times and fundraisers for local schools. 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park; 650-324-4321. www.keplers.com


Boutique

When Mary Jane wants to look her best for Spider-Man, she makes a stop at Leaf & Petal for up-to-date looks. Or maybe she phones first. The store offers services such as "call ahead pre-shopping," where staffers begin looking for items in advance, so the clothing will be ready to try on when the customers arrive. The boutique carries dozens of lines, including Ella Moss and Rich & Skinny, offering clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories. 439 California Ave., Palo Alto; 650-329-8070. www.lpetal.com


Eyewear

You ever get tired of wearing that silly mask? Of course you do. How 'bout some Chrome Hearts glasses frames with a dagger motif, or a Gold & Wood pair made with buffalo horn? Crystals could add star appeal as well, in a sparkling Daniel Swarovski design. To pick a new style of glasses, follow Weekly readers to Lux Eyewear, which also offers contact lenses and eye exams. That is, except if you're Daredevil. He's so powerful, he doesn't even need to see. 1805 El Camino Real, Palo Alto; 650-324-3937. www.luxpaloalto.com


Florist

Sure, you can "send" one of your 562 Facebook friends a virtual dozen roses. But come on, sport, they don't smell like anything. For the real deal, Weekly readers turn off the computer and head for Michaela's Flower Shop. You could choose an array of orange roses with river rocks, or butterscotch roses, or hot-pink ones. If your guy doesn't like flowers, send him a succulent garden or a "Junk Food Bucket" packed with candy. Plenty of other theme arrangements abound: corporate, sympathy, Grandparents' Day, patriotic, wedding and new baby, to name just a few. 453 Waverley St., Palo Alto; 650-321-5390. www.michaelasflowershop.com


Furniture Store/Home Furnishings

Crate & Barrel is one-stop shopping. Whether seeking super-sized furniture or mini muffin pans, the shopper will find that inspiration abounds. No room is left bare: Marimekko shower curtains for the bathroom, hand-wrought steel spindle beds and duvet covers for the bedroom, pancake-batter bowls and espresso machines for the kitchen, desks and leather side chairs for the office -- plus patio furniture for the deck. No chance for an empty Batcave after a few hours here. 530 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto; 650-321-7800. www.crateandbarrel.com


Gift/Novelty Shop

The eco-freak reuseable tote in the window of University Art Annex says it all: "I'm saving the planet -- what are you doing?" Inside the shop is a wonder-world of potential gifts -- if you don't quietly set something aside for yourself. Items include the funny (mugs with sayings), the serious (major handbags), the indulgent (body oils and candles) and the practical (greeting cards, bags and wrapping ribbon). Even a clueless superguy can find the perfect gift for his Wonder Woman. And oh, Clark, there's a very sweet pillbox with an enameled Superman emblem -- perfect for Lois. Think about it. 267 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto; 650-328-3500. www.universityart.com/annex.htm


Green Business/Hardware Store

Not many businesses can blend macho pride and social conscience as seamlessly as Palo Alto Hardware, the city's prime destination for everything from garden hoes to water heaters. This year, Weekly readers rewarded the business with two awards, one for Best Green Business and one for Best Hardware Store. While the store's expansive inventory of hammers, gloves, power drills and bolts is proudly displayed, most visitors probably wouldn't notice that Palo Alto Hardware is powered by solar panels, uses fluorescent lights and accepts recycled cell phones, DVDs and printer cartridges at its "Green Kiosk." Recent additions include rain barrels and cheaper and longer-lasting LED lights. 875 Alma St., Palo Alto Hardware; 650-327-7222. www.paloaltohardware.com


Jeweler

With the belief that every piece of jewelry tells a story, Gleim Jewelers takes good care of its customers. Whether people are shopping for engagement rings, a necklace to give to Mom on her birthday or a timepiece for a son who just graduated from college, Gleim's has something special for every person who walks through the door. Although Gleim's has closed its University Avenue location, the Stanford Shopping Center location is open for business. 111 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto; 650-325-3533. www.gleimjewelers.com


Lingerie

Pink, lace, girly stuff and great mirrors in the dressing rooms. These words describe perfectly the queen of the lingerie stores, Victoria's Secret in the Stanford Shopping Center. From the Pink collection dominating the front of the store to the swim collection, from the naughty lacy selections to the everyday essentials, and from the sexy summer styles to sleek fall fashion, Victoria's Secret seems to have just what Weekly readers are wearing out or in. N-305 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto; 650-328-0574. www.victoriassecret.com


Men's Apparel

No superhero is complete without a costume, an outfit to clothe his or her alter ego. Whether in need of shoes that allow for lift-off, fire-resistant pants or a cape that can shield the owner from bullets, superheroes know where to go to find the best apparel for men and women alike: Nordstrom at Stanford Shopping Center. With Nordy's variety of designers and styles, Weekly readers singled it out in the Men's Apparel, Women's Apparel and Shoe Store categories. Even Thor and Loki have been seen exiting the three-story store with bags in hand. 550 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto; 650-323-5111. shop.nordstrom.com


New Retail Business

Seeking a gift? Perhaps "The Art of Vintage Marvel" with 100 collectible postcards will catch your eye at Paper Source, along with the bag of Luchas caped superhero dolls: Atlantis, Mascara Sagrada and Pierrot Jr. Or perhaps a thumb-wrestling mask to adopt the identity of El Sancho. Even the wordless Black Bolt can enjoy the helpful "Lost for Words -- Creative Messages for All Occasions." But the real joy at the Paper Source is simply the paper, from exquisite wrapping papers from around the globe to cards, announcements, invitations and make-your-own greetings. It's no wonder that readers acknowledged this super new business. Town & Country Village, #63, Palo Alto; 650-324-9700. www.paper-source.com


Nursery/Garden Supply

It's safe to say that Roger Reynolds Nursery and Carriage Stop is a local institution -- it's consistently popular among locals and is celebrating its 90th anniversary in September. All month, special events are scheduled every Saturday, including a community celebration on Sept. 19 with children's activities, music and raffles, manager Antonio Ramirez said. The store also boasts a great selection of maple trees. Next door to the nursery, the Carriage Stop offers flower arrangements and gifts, and the store makes deliveries throughout the Bay Area. 133 Encinal Ave., Menlo Park; 650-323-5612. www.rogerreynoldsnursery.com


Pet Store

Underdog and Mighty Mouse would be in pet heaven at Pet Food Depot, the family-owned Palo Alto pet-supply store in an innocuous-looking building on El Camino Real. Expertise ranges from lizards to livestock, and just about anything a pet and his or her companion need can be found here. Anything else can be ordered by the staff. "Trust and loyalty is not won with a single purchase but earned over a period of time" is the store's motto. 3127 El Camino Real, Palo Alto; 650-852-1277. www.petfooddepot.com


Pharmacy/Drug store

Walgreens again proved to be the pharmacy Palo Alto trusts. The Midtown Shopping Center location is a quick stop for kids needing a sugar boost after school (or a glue stick to touch up that history project), while at the El Camino Real store convenience is the name of the game with a drive-thru pharmacy. Both stores provide digital photo services. Friendly staff and an equally user-friendly website (complete with coupons and prescription refill request form) characterize Walgreens as a business and Palo Alto presence. 2605 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto; 650-566-9723. 4170 El Camino Real, Palo Alto; 650-858-2007. www.walgreens.com


Hall of Fame: Third Year

Like Gotham's caped crusader, large-chain store Longs Drugs, now CVS/pharmacy, seems to be the hero some locals are unsure about. But not Weekly readers. They say Longs is the go-to spot in town for that emergency shampoo bottle, pack of diapers or birthday card before work or at 9:30 p.m. No wonder it's a third-year Hall of Fame winner. With three stores in Palo Alto alone, the store is undeniably convenient, even if the name doesn't come to you right away. 352 University Ave., Palo Alto; 650-324-1667. 2701 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto; 650-330-0128. 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto; 650-322-2150. www.cvs.com


Shoe Store

Three-time winner Nordstorm won in this category, as well as for its men's and women's apparel. See the full write-up under Men's Apparel.


Sporting Goods and Apparel

Sometimes self-made superheroes need a little bit of extra help. Aspiring crime-fighters can grab their gear at REI to help them scale walls and lift heavy loads. The best sporting-goods retailer in town provides all sorts of outdoor merchandise such as climbing ropes, backpacks, tents and canteens to help our crusaders, or nature lovers, rough the outdoors. Not everyone has an enormous underground bunker, so REI has two warehouses -- one in San Carlos and the other in Mountain View. 2450 Charleston Road, Mountain View; 650-969-1938. www.rei.com


Stationery Store

At B Letter Perfect==, owner Gwen Gasque says she's on a mission "to create, inspire and share beauty, quality and service." Gasque accomplishes this by creating fine, custom stationery for many occasions; other offerings include birth and Bar Mitzvah announcements, holiday greeting cards and wedding invitations. The independently owned shop, established in 1982, also sells rubber stamps, address labels and gifts. 384 University Ave., Palo Alto; 650-321-3700. www.letterperfect.com


Hall of Fame, Second Year

Who said print was going out of business? Paper is still in fashion at Village Stationers. Serving shoppers looking for day planners, labels or gift ideas, this specialty store is in its second year in the Hall of Fame. The friendly staff can help create custom cards, or shoppers can choose from a wide selection of cards that are handmade, celebrate cultural holidays or fete an age-specific birthday. Careful: This store is a paper lover's kryptonite -- symptoms include dazed delight and lightness in the wallet. 310 California Ave., Palo Alto; 650-326-7970. 719 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park; 650-321-6920. www.villagestationers.biz


Toy Store

As far as game stores go, Palo Alto Sport Shop & Toy World is the Yankees, the Lakers and the Steelers rolled into one. It's a perennial winner. From yoga mats and badminton shuttlecocks to soccer cleats and swimming trunks, from its wall of flip-flop sandals to its crate full of playground-style rubber balls, the shop adds some playfulness and pizzazz to a downtown neighborhood otherwise littered with dining establishments and designer boutiques. The store also takes pains to stay up to date. Recent additions include the Sector 9 longboard and the Voodoo board, a snowboard-like device that allows users to work on their balance. 526 Waverley St., Palo Alto; 650-328-8555. www.toyandsport.com


Women's Apparel

Three-time winner Nordstorm won in this category, as well as for its men's apparel and shoes. See the complete write-up in Men's Apparel.

— Palo Alto Weekly staff