Santa Clara, CA + Add a trip

For basic shopping, the most convenient location is Coleman Plaza. They have Trader Joe's, Target, Chevy's, Cost Plus, and much more.

I go to Rivermark (Safeway, postal supply place, a few hair salons, a few mobile phone stores, multiple fast food and slightly higher restaurants), but it's less than a mile's walk and I don't have a car. Parking is terrible there, though.

Zanotto's Family Market in San Jose's Rose Garden area has good quality stuff, albeit a little pricey. Santana Row for high end boutiques, Valley Fair (err.. Westfield Shoppingtown Valley Fair or something) for not quite so high end stores.