I typically go to Tirerack.com first. Find the best tire based on their survey recommendations and then shop locally for that tire. I am not brand loyal and tried Kumho, Sumitomo, Michelin, Nittos, Yokohamas, and Goodyears and purchased most of them through Discount Tire. Discount didn't carry the Sumitomos so I had to get those elsewhere.
BTW, every tire manufacturer makes a bad tire but not every manufacturer makes a great tire. Most Michelins are good to awesome but some of their cheaper and older designs should be avoided. I have tried two Yokohamas, one called the "black doughnut" was awful in all conditions and the Geolander HT that was great and rated extremely high on tirerack.