The 2025 Lookout List: Shopping & Retail

Winner: REI

1662 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz 95065

REI Co-op is a go-to spot for adventurers since it opened in 2021. Lookout List voters praised its virtual workshops, unbeatable selection and reliable quality. As one voter put it, “I’ve been a member for nearly 50 years. Their gear has never let me down.”

Winner: Palace Art & Office Supply

1501 41st Ave. K, Capitola 95010

A creative haven for artists of all kinds, the family-owned and -operated Palace Art & Office Supply is a local favorite for its “massive selection” and “friendly, knowledgeable staff.” Whether you’re a professional artist or just picking up a new hobby, voters say Palace has “a huge array of all things art” – and the service to match.

Winner: Botanic & Luxe

110 Cooper St., Suite 100F, Santa Cruz 95060

Botanic & Luxe stands out with its friendly service and great selection of curated gifts, home goods and wall art. Co-owners Leilani Zehnder and Ariel Stirm, a pair of childhood friends, launched the store in 2016 and just opened a baby gift shop called Littles across the street as well.

Winner: Childish

1127 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 95062
1122 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 95060

Childish is a local favorite thanks to the “helpful and inclusive” staff alongside the store’s abundant mix of toys, games, puzzles and plush items ideal for birthday‑gifting. They also appreciate the huge, curated selection that brings the fun for all ages.

Winner: Hopes Closet

2555-2557 Soquel Dr., Santa Cruz 95065

Hope’s Closet stands out for its wide selection of gently used kids clothing, toys and gear, along with easy donation drop-offs that support local families. Lookout List voters also praise the nonprofit’s “Bundles of Hope” program, which provides clothes to children in foster care or whose families are experiencing homelessness or other hardships.

Winner: Artisans & Agency

1368 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 95060

Artisans & Agency shines for its curated selection of unique gifts, handmade goods, and locally crafted treasures. One Lookout List voters says it best, “They have interesting, unusual, beautifully made things by real craftspeople. I buy a lot of gifts there and I think the recipients are always delighted.”

Winner: Paper Vision

1345 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 95060

Paper Vision delights shoppers with its playful, heartfelt and “artsy” selection of greeting cards for every occasion that spans almost half the store. Locals praised the downtown shop for its variety and creativity, calling it the perfect stop when you want a card that truly feels personal.

Winner: Pacific Trading Co.

1224 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 95060

A downtown Santa Cruz staple for decades, Pacific Trading Co. continues to charm shoppers with its curated selection of women’s fashion – from everyday comfort to elevated style. Lookout List voters love its knowledgeable staff, wide range of brands (many highlighting Eileen Fisher) and timeless vibe, saying “they have clothing for all tastes and needs.”

Winner: Dell Williams Jewelers

1320 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 95060

Dell Williams Jewelers shines with its beautiful selection of fine jewelry and attentive, knowledgeable staff. Voters praised the store not only for its stunning pieces but also for its expert cleaning and repair services that keep treasures looking their best.

Winner: Sword and Board Games

1855 41st Ave., J07 J08, Capitola 95010

Sword and Board Games located inside the Capitola Mall has become a local hub for players of all ages, combining a clean, organized retail space with a welcoming game room and private Dungeons & Dragons tables. Voters flooded the comments highlighting the friendly staff, inclusive community and impressive selection games, saying the shop “makes you feel at home.”

Winner: Toque Blanche

1527 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 95060

Toque Blanche stands out as a “chef’s playground,” offering a broad selection of high-quality cookware, specialty kitchen tools, cookbooks and an olive oil and balsamic bar. Voters praised the attentive service, knife-sharpening events and the incredible “droolworthy” selection of Le Creuset.

Winner: The Hook Outlet

Locations in Santa Cruz, Capitola and Watsonville

The Hook Outlet’s convenient locations attract shoppers with its rotating deals, promotions and a wide selection of cannabis products across multiple convenient locations. Lookout List voters praised both the value and the staff, with one noting, “Hook Outlet always has the nicest, most generous and caring budtenders. Always willing to help a brother out.”

Winner: Treehouse Dispensary

3651 Soquel Dr., Soquel 95073

Treehouse Dispensary stands out for its wide selection of cannabis and wellness products, drive-thru convenience, and commitment to quality. Lookout List voters praised their community-focused ethos, highlighting the dispensary’s partnerships with nonprofits that let shoppers easily round up purchases and donate to support positive change in Santa Cruz County.

Winner: Woodstove & Sun

510 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 95062

Woodstove & Sun draws shoppers with its carefully curated selection of fireplaces, stoves and related home heating products. Voters praised the knowledgeable staff and friendly service, noting the store’s helpful guidance and quality products make it a reliable go-to.

Winner: The Flower Shack

614 S. Branciforte Ave., Santa Cruz 95062

The Flower Shack stands out for its locally grown and seasonal blooms, personalized arrangements and build-your-own bouquets. Its attentive service and creative touch “makes every bouquet feel special.” 

Winner: The Flower Shack

614 S. Branciforte Ave., Santa Cruz 95062

The Flower Shack shines for weddings and larger events, creating stunning bouquets, boutonnieres and floral displays that elevate any celebration. Lookout List voters praised its attention to detail and personalized service, making big occasions feel effortless and unforgettable.

Winner: SC41

2701 41st Ave, Soquel, CA 95073

SC41 stands out for its thoughtfully curated furniture selection, blending modern design with timeless quality. Voters highlighted the store’s friendly service, financing options and thoughtful delivery teams.

Winner: Outdoor Supply Hardware

1601 41st Ave., Capitola 95010

Outdoor Supply Hardware in Capitola earns praise for its broad selection of quality patio and outdoor furniture. Lookout voters say they make it easy to upgrade any backyard or deck.

Winner: Dig Gardens

7765 Soquel Dr., Suite A, Aptos 95003

420 Water St., Santa Cruz 95060

Locals love Dig Gardens for its wide selection of indoor plants, expert staff and hands-on workshops where customers can learn to create succulent arrangements, build terrariums and style staghorn ferns. Voters love the unique shopping experience, noting the friendly guidance, curated gift options and variety of greenery to style a home.

Winner: Bay Bed & Mattress

1378 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 95062

Bay Bed & Mattress is a locally owned store known for its hand-built, customizable mattresses and attentive customer service. Lookout List voters appreciate the owners’ deep roots in the community and their commitment to helping every customer find the right sleep solution at a fair price.

Winner: Sylvan Music

1521 Mission St., Santa Cruz 95060

Sylvan Music is a Santa Cruz staple where customers can try out instruments like local guitars and connect with skilled instructors for lessons. Lookout List voters praised the store for its welcoming environment and the expertise of both staff and teachers.

Winner: Streetlight Records

939 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 95060

Streetlight Records is beloved for its deep catalog of vinyl, CDs and vintage finds that span every genre imaginable. Lookout List voters value the knowledgeable staff, community vibe and the thrill of crate-digging through both new releases and rare gems.

Winner: Caroline’s Non-Profit Thrift Shop

8047 Soquel Dr., Aptos 95003

Caroline’s Non-Profit Thrift Shop draws shoppers with its “beautifully displayed” vintage and thrift clothing selection and budget-friendly finds. Voters praised the shop for its caring staff and that proceeds go go to local children’s charities.

Winner: Grey Bears

2710 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz 95065

Grey Bears stands out for its wide selection of quality used home decor and furniture, offering unique finds at great prices. Shoppers appreciate that every purchase supports the organization’s community programs, making it easy to feel good while scoring a deal.

Winner: Sockshop & Shoe Co.

Locations in Santa Cruz and Aptos

Sockshop & Shoe Co. stands out for its wide selection of footwear across multiple convenient locations, offering something for every style and occasion. Shoppers also praised the store’s community spirit, including initiatives like its annual Hospice Fundraiser.

Winner: Pacific Wave

1502 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 95060

Pacific Wave stands out for its locally inspired apparel that captures the Santa Cruz vibe, from casual tees to cozy hoodies. Shoppers love the stellar staff, saying “everyone is friendly and there’s so much awesomeness.”