Shopping
Groceries
If you are looking for a regular grocery store, there a number of Safeways in Berkeley. Berkeley Bowl on Adeline and Oregon St has a much larger selection of organic foods and produce. Also, Andronico's and Whole Foods are two high-class grocery chains in Berkeley. If you are a fan of Trader Joe's, there is one in Emeryville and one in the El Cerrito Plaza. Rumor has it that there will be one in downtown Berkeley very soon... There is also the Grocery Outlet for cheap deals, but you may want to shop here only for non-perishable foods.
Pharmacies
There are a number of Walgreens and Longs Drugs throughout Berkeley. There is also Elephant Pharmacy in the Gourmet Ghetto, which specializes in organic products.
Furniture and Household
Ikea in Emeryville will probably be your first stop for furniture. There is also a Target in Berkeley and another in El Cerrito. For used furniture check out Salvation Army and Out of the Closet on University Ave. The Goodwill sometimes has furniture too. You should also keep an eye on the numerous yard sales and Craigslist postings.
Hardware
There is an ACE Hardware on University and Oxford and a Home Depot in Emeryville.
Clothing
Emeryville has most of the clothing stores you'll be looking for. There is also a Ross in the El Cerrito Plaza (think TJ Maxx or Marshalls). For an even greater selection of clothing stores, take the BART to Powell st in San Francisco.