Consumer Culture
Here’s the thing about consumer culture that we all tend to forget: When it comes to cultivating the character of our city, there’s nothing of greater value than how we choose to spend our dollar. The places we buy and barter from become our politics. Every time we swipe our debit card, it’s like exercising the right to vote.
This is especially true for the evolution of Atlanta. As a rebounded housing market attracts developers to the city’s core, many bring the threat of suburbanization in tow. With the growing morass of cookie-cutter mixed-use construction come chains and brand names as bland and predictable as the architecture.
But the city still has a soul. And that’s what we choose to champion. Every year, we ask readers to vote on their favorite local shopping destinations and service establishments. Then we gather our own critical mass to determine the standout artisans and entrepreneurs whose enterprises contribute to an overall sense of community or creative expression. This year, the critics picks run the gamut — from the Cord Shoes + Boots founder who’s brought the craft of handmade shoemaking back to the Southeast to a record label exec who’s countering the celebration of black male stereotypes with his Never Sold Dope line of hoodies and tees. Among the noted trends, we couldn’t help but appreciate the enduring love for all things vintage in furniture and fashion along with the neo-nostalgia for ATL-branded gear, whether it’s an exclusive cap from Fresh.i.Am or a sophisticated tie clip by Block and Hammer.
Whether you’re looking for the best boutiques or the right spot to soothe those aching feet, we’ve got you covered. Just remember, your vote counts in these streets.
— Rodney Carmichael, senior writer
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Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Local Craft Market BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Local Jewelry Maker BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Local Menswear Designer BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Local Print Shop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Stationary BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Local T-Shirt Maker BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Local Womenswear Designer BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Martial Arts Studio BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Massage Therapist BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Men’s Clothing Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Musical Instrument Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Nail Salon BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Natural Hair Salon BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Outdoor Farmers Market BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Pawnshop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Personal Trainer BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Pet Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Piercing Parlor BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Pilates Studio BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Place for Fashion Bargains BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Place to Buy Organic BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Place to Get a Photograph Printed BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Flea Market BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Local Craft Market BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Realtor BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Shooting Range BOA Award Winner
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Best Shopping District BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Skate Shop BOA Award Winner
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Best Sneaker Store BOA Award Winner
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Best Spa BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Farmer’s Market BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Sporting Goods Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Tailor Services BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Tattoo Artist BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Tattoo Studio BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Taxi/Rideshare Service BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Thrift Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Toy Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Used Book Store BOA Award Winner
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Best Head Shop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Veterinarian Clinic BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Vintage Clothing Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Vinyl BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Wedding Photographer BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Wine Shop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best women’s clothing store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Yoga Instructor BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Yoga Studio BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Doggie Day Care BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Hair Salon BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Handyman/woman BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Kids’ Clothing Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Best Head Shop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Health Food Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Hair Salon BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Best hoodie to rock while defying stereotypes BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Best Book Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Jewelry Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Nail Salon BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Best Kids’ Clothing Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Carter’s
2345 Peachtree Rd. N.E., 404-869-3373. www.carters.com
AND
Seed Factory
1170 Howell Mill Rd., 404-355-2043. www.seedfactoryatlanta.com
Best Latino Food Market BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
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Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Best Laundromat BOA Award Winner
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Best Liquor Store BOA Award Winner
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Best Local Accessories Maker BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
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Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Local Boutique BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Local Boutique BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Best Local Craft Market BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Local Jewelry Maker BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Local Menswear Designer BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Local Print Shop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Local Shoemaker BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Best Stationary BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Local T-Shirt Maker BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Local Womenswear Designer BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Martial Arts Studio BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Massage Therapist BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Men’s Clothing Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Musical Instrument Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Nail Salon BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Natural Hair Salon BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Clothing Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Best Outdoor Farmers Market BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Pawnshop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Personal Trainer BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Pet Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Piercing Parlor BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Pilates Studio BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Place for Fashion Bargains BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Place to Buy Organic BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Place to Get a Photograph Printed BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Flea Market BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Auto Repair Shop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Best Local Craft Market BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Realtor BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Accessories Shop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Best Record Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Best recycled building supplies BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
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