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 Shoe Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Archives » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick

Friedman's Shoes

"When you're a rookie, you get the word not to buy shoes until you get to Atlanta." Michael Jordan had one spot in mind when he told GQ magazine that back in the '80s: Friedman's Shoes. Talk about timeless, this shoe store is as legendary as the celebrity clientele whose autographed photos and jerseysmore...

"When you're a rookie, you get the word not to buy shoes until you get to Atlanta." Michael Jordan had one spot in mind when he told GQ magazine that back in the '80s: Friedman's Shoes. Talk about timeless, this shoe store is as legendary as the celebrity clientele whose autographed photos and jerseys decorate the walls. When you specialize in extra-large shoe sizes, from 8 to 22, you tend to attract a lot of pro athletes. Former Hawks star Dominique Wilkins was a regular during his reign. Hell, the whole team was in Friedman's heyday, not to mention practically every other player in the NBA. A visit to the store in South Downtown today is like a three-story shopping museum for players who prefer old-school gators and contemporary Italian designer boots. Bruce Teilhaber, whose father-in-law Philip Friedman founded the shoe store in 1929, has laced his share of icons with some fancy footwear. Like the time when boxing promoter Don King dropped $64,000 on 110 pairs of shoes in one visit. In a sense, Friedman's is still one shoe store where size still doesn't matter. Just ask Shaq, whose 22D shoe size stays in stock. less...

Best excuse to wear your pride around your neck BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Archives » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick

Silver ATL necklace

Best excuse to wear your pride around your neck BOA Award Winner

Year » 2015
Section » Archives » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2015 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick

FRESH.I.AM