First Place: Mongrel

2924 W. Cary St.
342-1272
mongrelrva.com

Second Place: Tweed

Third Place: Orange

Gift and card shop Mongrel in Carytown is distinctive because it operates in a constant, consumer-oriented flux as opposed to big, impersonal strip mall behemoths. Stan McCulloch, who founded the store with Mark Burkett almost 25 years ago, says his shop succeeds by paying specific attention to what customers need. Let’s say it’s Mother’s Day and the shopper can’t decide. They will help out with personal advice on gifts. And there always seems to be something unique. “We change our product line about daily,” he says. They also sell Richmond-centric products such as Bee’s Knees lip balm and Chups ketchup, made from fruit other than tomatoes. Tweed gets Internet raves for its helpful staff, and Orange, also in Carytown, specializes in bath-oriented products.