Ask 100 different people and you will get 100 different answers. Personally, I like Asics best. You can get a sense for what's out there by going to
www.roadrunnersports.com where they have tons of advice and fitment tools. Road Runner also has a decent clearance section - believe it or not, these makers phase a shoe out after about a year and intorduce something "new and improved". But on that note, until you know what fits and what is comfortable, you have to try them on. Re: stores, you really should go to a specialty running store too for good advice. Too many "sporting goods" stores have pimply-faced kids running around getting whatever shoe you ask them for.
I'd also look at shoes in various categories - even though I am a "heavy runner" defined by over 180 lbs or something, I don't like the heavily cushioned shoes for heavy runners, not do I have a heavy heel strike.