Antique Shop
Sometimes the perfect accent for that corner is something that never saw the likes of an assembly line. Fine, reputable antique stores specialize in everything from unique lamps from yesteryear to desks of the finest modern design. The Market makes our reader’s list for top antique store with a fine collection of vendor booths bringing only the most unique and special to market. The Windsor Market ranked high in the esteem of voters, too, with its devotion to style and eclectic charm. Zoller Design & Antiques, renowned for its expertise and customer service was also one of Tulsa’s top shops for the rare and exquisite. Cool merchandise and an eye for personal design made Mockingbird Manor Antiques first in Oklahoma City. Elegant, easy and budget-conscious, Mockingbird is a favorite for those scouting out signature pieces and good advice. OKC metro shoppers also like Norman’s Elusive Antiques, where retro is attainable, never awkward. And Antique Co-op, with claims to be Oklahoma City’s largest and oldest antique mall, also gets the nod for its great volume, variety and quality.
Car Dealer
Some car dealerships are like walking into a circus, others have all the ease and aura of a pressure cooker. A few, however, cultivate an atmosphere of excitement and expectation, and they make the customer feel as if you’re the only person there. Lexus of Tulsa knows the power of exceptional customer service. The luxury automobile dealership renowned for its service, staff and knowledge of some of the most wanted cars on the road made it a winner in Tulsa. Also noteworthy, BMW of Tulsa is on readers’ fast track to the top, along with the esteemed Jackie Cooper Imports. When it comes to great cars that are also affordable, two dealerships shine. Jim Norton Toyota gets high marks from Tulsa shoppers, as does Don Carlton Honda. Jackie Cooper BMW of Edmond was named the best in the Oklahoma City metro area for service worthy of its elegant brand. We think the complimentary doughnuts had something to do with it, too. The Bob Moore Auto Group was named to the list for its selection of everything from Acura to Volvo and for offering customers the best experience. Both the Bob Howard Auto Group and Fowler Dodge are favorites in Oklahoma City.
Children’s Clothing Store
It’s not easy to dress kids, namely because they are constantly outgrowing last week’s sneakers and trousers. Stores make it more bearable to shop for children’s clothes, and some even make it fun. For Tulsans, that beacon is GapKids. With locations at Utica Square, Woodland Hills Mall and Tulsa Promenade, GapKids brings the latest for babies, toddlers, boys and girls. And the usual proximity to theregular Gap stores means parents can shop for themselves, too. When parents want extra attention and exclusive labels in children’s clothing, they take the kids to Kathleen’s Kids, Tulsa’s original children’s boutique store. And you can’t beat the selection of Dillard’s, which offers variety and quality in kids’ apparel at several locations in Tulsa. Norman’s Tulip Tree features cute, unique clothing for children along with a variety of accessories, which is why Oklahoma City readers made it a winner. Even kids are style conscious, and for them, there’s Uptown Kids in Oklahoma City’s Classen Curve. Eclectic and festive, it’s another favorite of the region, as is the always recommended Dillard’s and its expansive collection.
Photo by Brandon Scott.
Department Store
Who doesn’t like to be complimented on their clothes and accessories? There’s just as much satisfaction to be had when you tell them where you shopped. Saks Fifth Avenue keeps Tulsans well-dressed and polished in designer label clothing, shoes, jewelry, fragrances and more. Thanks to a great staff, Saks is Tulsa’s first stop to put an outfit together. One of Tulsa’s most accessible stores, Dillard’s is another favorite for deals on great products and clothing. The fashionable Miss Jackson’s carries on a great tradition of customer service and offers only the best. Oklahoma City’s Balliets rules Classen Curve district with style and products that are all about creating glamour. A thoughtful staff and cool collection of labels make it the ultimate shopping destination in the Oklahoma City area. Readers can’t praise Dillard’s enough, and it holds true among smart shoppers. With some of the most fun, emerging labels on the national market, Macy’s also gets the city’s big “OK.”
Eyeglass Store
You just had a change in your eyeglasses prescription – and you couldn’t be happier, because you’re going to get new lenses set in a snappy new pair of frames. Designer eyewear comes in a variety of styles, and the right frames can add personality to your carefully cultivated image. Visions Unique Eyewear brings only the most current designs to you, and the staff is expert at discovering the best look for anyone. Whether it’s for regular lenses or prescription sunglasses, you’ll never wonder if you’ve found the best at Hicks Brunson Eyewear, a cool shop in Tulsa’s Utica Square. Black Optical in Brookside makes shopping for high-quality glasses and sunglasses easy, plus the experience and attention you get makes you feel special. In Oklahoma City, take your prescription to Dick Story Optical, a tradition since 1971. The selection of frames and lenses as well as the service keep families coming back. Fast, accurate service keeps LensCrafters on the list of OKC’s best, while designer choices and exceptional quality help Black Optical stay a local favorite on the Classen Curve.
Fine Jewelry Store
Special occasions – weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, milestones – call for special treasures. At those times, the advice found at a reputable jewelry store can make finding the right ring, necklace or gift a real pleasure. For Tulsans, Bruce G. Weber Precious Jewels offers the expertise that has helped many navigate through cuts and carats to find items beautifully and precisely expressing a feeling or statement. With its many Tulsa area locations, Moody’s Jewelry has been the first and only stop for many couples on the way to the alter for good reason. Israel Diamond Supply and Star Jewelers roll out the best of custom-created and designer jewelry for all occasions. You don’t get to be the state’s oldest jewelry store without a good name, and B.C. Clark Jewelers of Oklahoma City has spent more than a century establishing a reputation for exceptional jewelry. When looking for fresh, stunning design, shoppers also turn to Naifeh Fine Jewelry, where jewelry is a true art. The collections at Mitchener-Farrand have been known to turn a few heads with their style, taste and craftsmanship, which is why it made our list for the very best.
Gift Store
Gift shopping can be a headache, but some shops make it fun and easy with fun, unique items. Nielsens, with its Brookside and south Tulsa locations, has treasures such as jewelry, home décor and tokens of love and friendship. At Utica Square, Miss Jackson’s features some of the highest quality merchandise you’ll find anywhere. Tulsans also find what they’re looking for at Margo’s Gifts – a shop filled with delights, décor and more – and at The Market, another favorite with inspiring showcases in every direction. The Perfect Touch is the perfect place for gifts with distinction, while Ida Red is the intersection of playful and nostalgic gifts with a definitive Okie vibe. Oklahoma City loves eclectic style, and Norman’s Sandalwood & Sage has it. With Boho-inspired gifts and more than its fair share of tie-dyed items, the shop is OKC’s favorite gift store. Blue Seven, featuring fun apparel with local appeal, has a great selection of clever gifts. On a Whim in Classen Curve dazzles with cute, colorful displays of thoughtful items that say a lot.
Grocery Store/Market
Selection and quality are two of the most important factors when it comes to grocery shopping. Shoppers want fresh produce, choice meats, wholesome breads and a variety from which to choose. For Tulsa, Petty’s Fine Foods offers both backed with a great and long tradition of customer service in Utica Square. Readers also like Whole Foods Market and its natural and organic stance on food and products for the home. Not to be left out, Oklahoma-based Reasor’s Foods received high praise and votes along with the new “green” grocers in town: Fresh Market and Sprouts Farmers Market. Whole Foods Market is an Oklahoma City favorite with its seemingly endless choices of quality produce, fresh meats, a fantastic deli, floral department and more. Voters also like the OKC area’s Sprouts Farmers Market and its commitment to healthy lifestyles, but there’s also much to be said for tradition. Locally based Crest Foods and its good, old-fashioned quality and service remains an OKC institution.
Men’s Boutique
Certain stores specialize is making a guy look like a gentleman, and some do it better than others. Abersons in Tulsa is the place to go for those well-tailored signature pieces that build personal style. Travers Mahan is best known for its selection of casual, business and formal wear with a staff never lacking in taste. Tulsans also like what they find at Pinpoint Resource, well-known for refinement, and Saxon Judd, where custom is the custom. If you want a designer wardrobe in Oklahoma City, go to Mr. Ooley’s for Armani, Gucci and Canali. The city’s slickers also prefer the well-suited S.J. Haggard & Co. for play and business along with Threads, a Norman shop suited to the “Southern gentleman from head to toe.”
Pet/Pet Supply Store
The business of pets has never been bigger, and pet parents only want the best for their four-legged kids. When it comes to shopping for pets’ needs, the national chain stores seem to be the first choice for many pet owners. Tulsans stop at Petco locations for a wide range of food varieties, toys, clothes, bedding and more. Frequently staffed with enthusiastic pet lovers, Petco was voted best in T-Town. Locally based Southern Agriculture did well, too, with the support of readers who like the veterinary clinics and attention they find at the eight locations in the metro area. PetSmart ranks high, as well, with its extensive supplies, aquariums, dog training classes and more. PetSmart won out in Oklahoma City for the same reasons, and with 10 locations from Norman to Yukon and Edmond, the convenience is hard to beat. At Petco, shoppers like the choices and services available at a national store, but the store boasts enough local touches – such as working with area rescue groups – to make it familiar. A1 Pet Emporium Pet Store and Pet Boutique is all about quality nutrition and life for dogs and cats. It’s the extra pampering and pet parties, however, that catch all the attention.
Shopping Mall/Center
Everyone has a favorite place to go for shopping. Great gift stores, cool dress boutiques and more are but a few earmarks of a great shopping center or mall. Utica Square has everything from designer clothing and department stores to gifts shops, a food market and even a post office. And when you need a break, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to relax. For variety – music, cosmetics, sports wear, books, department stores and more – Woodland Hills Mall gets the nod in Tulsa, while Center 1 impresses every time with a collection of modern merchants to keep you, your family and your home looking impressive. In Oklahoma City, you could live in Penn Square Mall if not for the security issue. With so many stores for just about every need so neatly collected in one location, it’s where readers go-to shop, dine and be entertained. Classen Curve is one of those “places to be seen,” with shops that entertain all the senses and inspire. If designer is on your mind, The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City bring the world of finery to OKC with everything from American Eagle Outfitters to Zumiez.
Sporting Goods/Outdoor Store
For athletic, outdoors and recreational equipment for land, sea and air, readers want a store with top brands, variety and great deals to make the most of their money. For those reasons and more – including customer service – Dick’s Sporting Goods ranks at the top of our list in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Academy Sports & Outdoors is also a top pick for needs, whether it’s team sports, solo mountain biking or kayaking the rapids. Oklahomans also like Bass Pro Shops and its outdoors culture. It’s also one of the few places where one can purchase a bass boat, food dehydrator and camoflauge rocker recliner on a single ticket.
Toy Store
When you’re a child, your job is to play, so it should come as no surprise to parents that kids take their toys seriously. So does Toys “R” Us, which brings the newest games and playtime favorites to its shelves along with selections that encourage learning with fun. Kiddlestix has stocked favorite and unique toys on its shelves for more than a quarter of a century and earned its reputation for great customer service and ease of shopping. Families also enjoy heading to the toy aisles at Target as they finish shopping for groceries and other essentials. In Oklahoma City, Toys “R” Us gets reader approval for toys suitable for infants up to preteens along with bikes, video games and arts and crafts. Looking for something specific for a niece interested in science? Target probably has it, along with toys for all the kids in your life. If you find a toy store called the Learning Tree, you won’t be surprised to find that this fun-derland carries unique and independent brands, many of which carry an educational component, along with books.
Wine/Liquor Store
Celebrations call for a toast, and you can’t toast until you’ve stocked that little cabinet in the living room. A good wine and liquor store carries an assortment of beer, wine and cocktail ingredients that add fun to any gathering. Having staff that can make good recommendations doesn’t hurt, either. Ranch Acres Wine & Spirits is a Tulsa standard with friendly staff ready to answer questions on which wines and beers to pair with events, menus and seasons. Readers also like Old Village Wine & Spirits for selection, but its prime location in Brookside also makes it a winner in Tulsa. For sheer volume, it’s tough to beat Parkhill Liquors and Wines, which knows its Grenache from its Gerwürztraminer and labels accordingly. Plus, Parkhill now has a second location. Beyond its name, Oklahoma City’s Wild Turkey Finer Wines & Spirits is more than a dispensary for “red or white” and Kentucky bourbon. Step inside and take in the variety. The undeniably cool Broadway Wine Merchants at the heart of Automobile Alley makes the list for specializing in fine, unique wines, spirits and craft beers, while Byron’s Liquor Warehouse, a city stalwart, stays on top with selection, quality and superior service.
Women’s Boutique
There’s something to be said for a looking and feeling great. And places like Abersons help women accomplish both. Noted for its exceptional designer collections and accessories, Abersons’ rocks with current trends and verve. Casual never looked so chic as it does at Rope, the Cherry Street boutique featuring fresh fashions, bags, shoes and jewelry. Stellar quality is a hallmark at Donna’s Fashions, a source of timeless women’s clothing, while Native translates hip fashion to Tulsa with sizzling results. If runway looks are on your list, Gordon Stuart should be, too. Located in the Nichols Hills area, the store known for carrying such designer brands as Fendi, Balenciaga and Gucci makes the list thanks to readers. Also in Nichols Hills, Ruth Meyers continues to dress Oklahoma City’s women in the finest clothes and accessories, while Blush in Norman is favored for its bright and colorful lines aimed at teens and young adults.
Photo by Brandon Scott.
Women’s Shoe Store
When putting an outfit together, picking out shoes is a must. Saks Fifth Avenue carries designers such as Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik and Tory Burch, making it T-Town’s go-to for high-end shoes. Abersons gets the nod, too, for luxury designs and statements from labels like Lanvin and Proenza Schouler. The Tulsa list also includes Miss Jackson’s and J. Cole Shoes, local stores bringing some of the world’s top brands in flats, pumps, heels, boots and more to Tulsa. Is it any surprise that Balliets is Oklahoma City’s first stop for women’s shoes? “Finery” isn’t just a pitch word for this flirty boutique dealer of Prada, Valentino and Jimmy Choo shoes. Gordon Stuart easily makes the grade with its gorgeous, right-off-the-runway collections, and Shoetopia takes a big step in Norman with some of the most original, fun and affordable gear around.
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