The Couch To 5K program is, by far, the most popular schedule/method for someone to ramp up into a running program:
I would look for a local store that focuses on running; not just sells shoes in one department. Since these stores tend to be local stores you'll have to look search the area where you live. National stores are www.runningwarehouse.com and www.roadrunnersports.com. The issue, IMHO, is that trying on lots of different shoes is basically impossible unless you can walk into a store with inventory and they start bringing stuff out for you to try.
Jim