2015 Consumer Culture Large


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

Best Local Boutique BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
free fab’rik Boutique
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Local Craft Market BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Indie Craft Experience

Best Local Jewelry Maker BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Natural Healing Stones

Best Local Menswear Designer BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Sid Mashburn

Best Local Print Shop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Mindzai Creative

Best Stationary BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Paper Source
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Local T-Shirt Maker BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Bang-On Custom T-Shirts

Best Local Womenswear Designer BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Megan Huntz

Best Martial Arts Studio BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Cuong Nhu

Best Massage Therapist BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
John Kaskie
x3creative.com/salonme/john.html

Best Men’s Clothing Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Sid Mashburn

Best Musical Instrument Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Guitar Center
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Nail Salon BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Nail Shack Salon & Spa

Best Natural Hair Salon BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Salon Skanda

Best Outdoor Farmers Market BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Grant Park Farmers Market

Best Pawnshop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Candler Road Pawn Shop

Best Personal Trainer BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Todd Hancock

Best Pet Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
PetSmart (Atlanta Locations)
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Piercing Parlor BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Kolo Piercing and Body Arts

Best Pilates Studio BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Activcore Physical Therapy & Performance

Best Place for Fashion Bargains BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Buffalo Exchange

Best Place to Buy Organic BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Your DeKalb Farmers Market

Best Place to Get a Photograph Printed BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Walgreens (Atlanta Locations)
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Flea Market BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Scott Antique Markets, Atlanta

Best Local Craft Market BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Indie Craft Experience

Best Realtor BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Pam Ahern

Best Shooting Range BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
QuickShot Shooting Range - Atlanta
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Shopping District BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Buckhead

Best Skate Shop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Stratosphere Skateboards

Best Sneaker Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Wish Atlanta

Best Spa BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Jeju Sauna

Best Farmer’s Market BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Your DeKalb Farmers Market

Best Sporting Goods Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Dick’s Sporting Goods
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Tailor Services BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Sid Mashburn

Best Tattoo Artist BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Mike McMahon

Best Tattoo Studio BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Only You Tattoo

Best Taxi/Rideshare Service BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Atlanta Checker Cab Co Inc

Best Thrift Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Goodwill Thrift Store & Donation Center
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Toy Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Richards Variety Store

Best Used Book Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Book Nook

Best Head Shop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Vaperite Good cbd shop

Best Veterinarian Clinic BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
The Village Vets of Decatur

Best Vintage Clothing Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
The Clothing Warehouse

Best Vinyl BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Criminal Records

Best Wedding Photographer BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Bhargava Chiluveru

Best Wine Shop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Perrine’s Wine Shop - Westside

Best women’s clothing store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Anthropologie
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Yoga Instructor BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Swami Jaya Devi

Best Yoga Studio BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Kashi Atlanta Urban Yoga Ashram

Best Doggie Day Care BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Barking Hound Village Inn
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Hair Salon BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Salon Skanda

Best Handyman/woman BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Handy Manny’s Handyman Services

Handy Manny’s Handyman Services LLC.


www.handy-manny.com 404-840-6830


AND


Tony Hix Incorporated

Best Kids’ Clothing Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
the beehive

Best Head Shop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Forty Two Degrees South

Best Health Food Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Sevananda Natural Foods Market

Best Hair Salon BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Van Michael Salon

Best hoodie to rock while defying stereotypes BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Never Sold Dope

Best Book Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
A Cappella Books

Best Jewelry Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Worthmore Jewelers - Decatur

Best Nail Salon BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Nail Shack Salon & Spa

Best Kids’ Clothing Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Carter’s AND The Seed Factory

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

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Buford Highway Farmers Market

Best Laundromat BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Blusion Laundry

Best Laundromat BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Blusion Laundry

Best Liquor Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Green’s Beverages - Buford

Best Local Accessories Maker BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Neva Opet AND Shop Heart Mercedes

Neva Opet


www.nevaopet.com


AND


Shop Heart Mercedes


www.etsy.com/shop/heartmercedes

Best Local Bail Bond Agent/Agency BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Bond James Bond Bail Bonds Marietta Cobb County

Best Local Boutique BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
free fab’rik Boutique
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Local Boutique BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Young Blood Boutique

Best Local Craft Market BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Indie Craft Experience

Best Local Jewelry Maker BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Natural Healing Stones

Best Local Menswear Designer BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Sid Mashburn

Best Local Print Shop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Mindzai Creative

Best Local Shoemaker BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Cord Shoes + Boots

Best Stationary BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Paper Source
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Local T-Shirt Maker BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Bang-On Custom T-Shirts

Best Local Womenswear Designer BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Megan Huntz

Best Martial Arts Studio BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Cuong Nhu

Best Massage Therapist BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
John Kaskie
x3creative.com/salonme/john.html

Best Men’s Clothing Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Sid Mashburn

Best Musical Instrument Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Guitar Center
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Nail Salon BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Nail Shack Salon & Spa

Best Natural Hair Salon BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Salon Skanda

Best Clothing Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Chrome Yellow Trading Co.

Best Outdoor Farmers Market BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Grant Park Farmers Market

Best Pawnshop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Candler Road Pawn Shop

Best Personal Trainer BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Todd Hancock

Best Pet Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
PetSmart (Atlanta Locations)
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Piercing Parlor BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Kolo Piercing and Body Arts

Best Pilates Studio BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Activcore Physical Therapy & Performance

Best Place for Fashion Bargains BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Buffalo Exchange

Best Place to Buy Organic BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Your DeKalb Farmers Market

Best Place to Get a Photograph Printed BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Walgreens (Atlanta Locations)
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Flea Market BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Scott Antique Markets, Atlanta

Best Auto Repair Shop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
City Auto Body Shop

Best Local Craft Market BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Indie Craft Experience

Best Realtor BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Pam Ahern

Best Accessories Shop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
KMM & Co.

Best Record Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Criminal Records

Best recycled building supplies BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Lifecycle Building Center

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