Whether we want to admit it or not, the superstores and malls are fairly effective for quick purchases at reasonable prices.

But sometimes, that’s not enough.

Sometimes, we need that one-of-a-kind item that you know your friend or relative doesn’t have. Sometimes, you don’t want to battle the traffic of the Walmart or outlet mall. Sometimes, you want to do whatever you can to support a local store.

And that’s where our local shops come in.

Regardless of what they sell, nominate your favorite business in Irmo, Lexington, Spring Valley and St. Andrews to be part of our “Best Local Shop” contest as Patch unveils its Readers' Choice. The stores must be in one of our Patches to be eligible.

Just log in and post your vote in the comments section below. You may nominate multiple places, but please post each nomination  in a separate comment so we can make sure they are all counted.

Nominations are due by July 9.

Voting for Readers’ Choice 2012 will begin in late July and winners will be announced in August.