2014 Consumer Culture Large


Consumer Culture

One thing we can all agree on: The best shopping experiences usually start with the people behind the businesses. Old faithfuls such as Decatur Package Store, with its well-stocked, well-labeled shelves (we count owner Herb Chereck’s “Herb’s Choices” as one of our many blessings), and 2014 Trophy Case inductee Army Surplus Sales, Inc., show the importance of legacy businesses to neighborhoods. A new generation tested Atlanta’s retail waters this summer at a number of pop-up shops Downtown (below), where creative entrepreneurs behind brands such as FRESH.i.AM, Arbitrary Living, and Fallen Arrows brought life and foot traffic to vacant storefronts. Mike Tyson’s Sunbrimmer Records, added a tightly curated vinyl collection to Avondale Estates, a ‘hood that was in desperate need of a shop dedicated to music.

In keeping with this year’s backstage theme for Best of Atlanta, we went behind the scenes at Grammy award-winning rapper Killer Mike’s SWAG Shop, where we discovered that his wife, Shana “Shay Bigga” Render, is the key to the barber shop’s success. We also dropped in at some of the city’s houses of ink such as West End Tattoo, which helped mold City of Ink owners Miya Bailey and Tuki Carter. A visit to Southern Star Tattoo’s Ponce de Leon Avenue location revealed the elements that go into making a great tattoo shop, from the booths to the autoclave.

Decisions like choosing the Best place to maintain your hooptie aren’t always simple. We’ve done the hard work for you, making our 2014 Best of selections with the consumer and the folks behind the counter in mind.

— Gavin Godfrey

Best Musical Instrument Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Earthshaking Music

Best Nail Salon BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Passion Nails

Best Natural Hair Salon BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Speak Natural Hair Design

Best Outdoor Farmers Market BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Grant Park Farmers Market

Best Personal Trainer BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Todd Hancock

Best Pet Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Park Pet Supply Inc

Best Piercing Parlor BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Kolo Piercing and Body Arts

Best Pilates Studio BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Activcore Physical Therapy & Performance

Best Place for Fashion Bargains BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
T.J.Maxx (Atlanta Locations)
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Realtor BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Pam Ahern

Best Shooting Range BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Stoddard’s Range and Guns

Best Shopping District BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Westside Provisions District

Best Skate Shop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Stratosphere Skateboards

Best Sneaker Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Abbadabba’s AND Big Peach Running Co.
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Spa BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Natural Body Spa and Shop
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Local Market BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Star Provisions

Best Sporting Goods Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Dick’s Sporting Goods

Best Tailor Services BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
El-Gant Gents & Ladies

Best Tattoo Artist BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Only You Tattoo

Best Tattoo Studio BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Only You Tattoo

Best Taxi/Rideshare Service BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Buckhead Safety Cab

Best Thrift Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Goodwill Thrift Store & Donation Center
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Toy Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Toys “”“”R”“”” Us (Atlanta Locations)

Best Used Book Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Book Nook

Best Head Shop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Glass Objects

Best Veterinarian Clinic BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
The Village Vets of Decatur
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Vintage Clothing Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
The Clothing Warehouse

Best Vinyl BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Criminal Records

Best Wedding Photographer BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Kristen Alexander

Best Wine Shop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Perrine’s Wine Shop - Westside

Best women’s clothing store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Anthropologie

Best Yoga Instructor BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Kashi Atlanta Urban Yoga Ashram

Best Yoga Studio BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Kashi Atlanta Urban Yoga Ashram

Best Doggie Day Care BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Barking Hound Village Inn
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Doggie Day Care BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Doggie Day Care BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Barking Hound Village Buckhead
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Doggie Day Care BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
And other metro Atlanta locations.
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Best Jewelry Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Crafts and Love

Best Local Menswear Designer BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Messrs. R/R

Best Jewelry Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Worthmore Jewelers - Decatur

Best Startup/Incubator BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Taproom Coffee

Best Kids’ Clothing Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Carter’s (Atlanta Stores)

Best Latino Food Market BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Buford Highway Farmers Market

Best Laundromat BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Blusion Laundry

Best Liquor Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Green’s Beverages - Buford

Best Book Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
A Cappella Books

Best Local Boutique BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
the beehive

Best Gift Shop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
the beehive

Best Farmer’s Market BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Freedom Farmers Market
This year, we found a new reason to get out of bed early on Saturday mornings. Aptly named for its location on the Freedom Park trail, the newly minted FREEDOM FARMERS MARKET is a welcome addition to the local food scene. Unlike other producer markets around town, this one is run by the lively vendorsmore...
This year, we found a new reason to get out of bed early on Saturday mornings. Aptly named for its location on the Freedom Park trail, the newly minted FREEDOM FARMERS MARKET is a welcome addition to the local food scene. Unlike other producer markets around town, this one is run by the lively vendors themselves. And instead of demos, each week features a chef with ready-to-eat dishes. Located at the intersection of five intown neighborhoods, the Freedom Farmers Market has hip city vibes, and friendly faces from all walks of life. Market highlights include gorgeous Woodland Gardens veggies, pastries from the Bakery at Cakes & Ale, Riverview Farms sausage, Grassroots Farm eggs, and Storico Fresco pasta. Enjoy a stroll through the market with a prosciutto and Parmesan baguette from Star Provisions in one hand and pour-over coffee from 1000 Faces in the other. less...

Best Martial Arts Studio BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Cuong Nhu

Best Massage Therapist BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Kashi Atlanta Urban Yoga Ashram

Best Men’s Clothing Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Sid Mashburn

Best Musical Instrument Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Earthshaking Music

Best Nail Salon BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Passion Nails

Best Natural Hair Salon BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Speak Natural Hair Design

Best new bike whisperer BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Fixie Bicycle Gallery

Best Outdoor Farmers Market BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Grant Park Farmers Market

Best City View BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
SkyView Atlanta

Best Personal Trainer BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Todd Hancock

Best Pet Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Park Pet Supply Inc

Best Piercing Parlor BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Kolo Piercing and Body Arts

Best Pilates Studio BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Activcore Physical Therapy & Performance

Best Art Supply Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Sam Flax
Being armed with the right materials when inspiration strikes makes all the difference. SAM FLAX has everything you need to create your next masterpiece or maybe just doodle around, including shelves full of different kinds of paint, brushes, paper, and furniture, all from major brands such as Hermanmore...
Being armed with the right materials when inspiration strikes makes all the difference. SAM FLAX has everything you need to create your next masterpiece or maybe just doodle around, including shelves full of different kinds of paint, brushes, paper, and furniture, all from major brands such as Herman Miller, Humanscale, and Steelcase. The staff knows its stuff and can help you pick out the right supplies for your project without exceeding your budget. The store hosts an array of mixed-media demos and art workshops for beginners and advanced artists alike, while the in-house framing center sets prints and paintings in quality frames. Sam Flax also supports the local art community through events including 30 Artists in 30 Days back in April, for which artists created a piece in-store to be later auctioned at the Goat Farm. less...

Best Place for Fashion Bargains BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
T.J.Maxx (Atlanta Locations)
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Liquor Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Decatur Package Store

Best Pet Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Park Pet Supply Inc

Best Auto Repair Shop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Roger Jordan Garage, Inc.

Best Hookah Bar BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
The Hookah Hookup

Best Gym BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
CrossFit Terminus

Best Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Downtown pop-ups

Best Realtor BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Pam Ahern

Best Furniture Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Reclaimed Atlanta
Back in 2011, RECLAIMED ATLANTA was still the dream of two girls who love and know their way around power tools. Local woodworkers and designers Kristen Consuegra and Sara Spafard envisioned a business through which they could find and convert recycled materials into repurposed home decor. From dilapidatedmore...
Back in 2011, RECLAIMED ATLANTA was still the dream of two girls who love and know their way around power tools. Local woodworkers and designers Kristen Consuegra and Sara Spafard envisioned a business through which they could find and convert recycled materials into repurposed home decor. From dilapidated walnut, white oak, and pallet wood transformed into brand-new coffee tables or work benches, to a rusted, metal tire jack reimagined as a lamp, Consuegra and Spafard are masters at breathing new life into relics Atlantans have left for dead. The Indie Craft Experience market regulars also make custom pieces. The duo also takes its service to the people, literally, by personally delivering each piece to their customers. Prices can range between $50 and $300 for their handcrafted products. Oh, and 15 percent from the cost of each item sold is donated to organizations that fight human trafficking. less...

Best Shooting Range BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Stoddard’s Range and Guns

Best Shopping District BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Westside Provisions District

Best Skate Shop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Stratosphere Skateboards

Best Sneaker Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Abbadabba’s AND Big Peach Running Co.
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Spa BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Natural Body Spa and Shop
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Local Market BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Star Provisions

Best Sporting Goods Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Dick’s Sporting Goods

Best Tailor Services BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
El-Gant Gents & Ladies

Best Tattoo Artist BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Only You Tattoo

Best Tattoo Studio BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Only You Tattoo

Best Taxi/Rideshare Service BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Buckhead Safety Cab

Best Thrift Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Goodwill Thrift Store & Donation Center
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Toy Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Toys “”“”R”“”” Us (Atlanta Locations)

Best Head Shop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Fl

Best Antique Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2014
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2014 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Highland Row Antiques

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