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  • Tara Crutchfield

Haven Best of 2023 - Retail



BEST CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

THE RED GERANIUM

605 E Central Ave, Winter Haven

(863) 291-8585

FB @TheRedGeraniumwh

IG @theredgeranium_wh

What will you add to your wardrobe? The Red Geranium is an affordable boutique where you can shop ‘til you drop for gifts, decor, and more! This Winter Haven boutique specializes in home and garden decor, kitchen specialties, jewelry, and women’s clothing. One well-dressed customer wrote, “So many cute things to look at! I was visiting from out of state and love exploring shops like this! Perfect place to find a nice gift or treat yourself.” They’re the Best Clothing Boutique, so you can be the best-dressed shopping at The Red Geranium!

2nd: (tie) Island Dreaming Boutique

2nd: (tie) Seven Anchors Co.

3rd: 417 Boutique by Cate

Editor’s Pick: Island Dreaming Boutique


BEST GIFT SHOP

HAVEN LOCAL SHOP

329 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

(863) 887-6624

FB: Haven Local Shop

IG: havenlocalshop

This quaint boutique off Central Avenue in Downtown Winter Haven features classic and unique gifts. A new kid on the block, Haven Local Shop was started by Lynsey and Jon Lane of Haven Coffee Roasters. The shop carries everything from jewelry and home decor to locally made goods from brands like Rafa Natural, East of These, and Pretty Odd Flower Cart. One customer raved, “This shop is so cute! Very unique gifts and souvenirs and many are locally made. Loved buying things from town that go back to support the residents in Polk County! Such a great addition to downtown.”

2nd: The Red Geranium

3rd: Amy’s Gifts and Party Planning

Editor’s Pick: The Hippie Suitcase


BEST JEWELER

GRINER’S JEWELERS

195 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven

(863) 293-0151

FB: Griner’s Jewelers

This downtown jewelry institution has been making Winter Haven sparkle since 1948. Griner’s Jewelers offers an extensive inventory of loose diamonds, colored stones, and finished jewelry. They are an authorized retailer for Lafonn, Gottlieb & Sons, Simon G, Jabel, Supreme, Cyma Watch, Chad Allison, Peter Storm, Wright & Lato, Mark Gronlund, and Asba & Dangler Cultured Pearls. One Griner’s Jewelers client writes, “I have been doing business with Griner’s for the past few years. They are the type of family-owned place that remembers your face, name, and what you’ve bought there before. I have purchased new jewelry and had repairs done. Their work and inventory are high quality. Highly recommended!”

2nd: Tally-Ho Jewelers

3rd: J.C. Jewelers


BEST ANTIQUE STORE

TREASURE HOUSE ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

232 6th St NW, Winter Haven

(863) 875-7921

FB @treasurehousetwo

One man’s antiques are another man’s treasure! Treasure House Antiques & Collectibles is an over 10,000 square foot antique mall that has been open for over twenty years. They feature an ever-changing inventory of hand-selected clothing, furniture, and home goods, including second-hand items from top brands and manufacturers at reasonable prices. One five-star review for Treasure House Antiques & Collectibles reads, “Such a fun place to explore! So many eclectic items to choose from! Prices were reasonable also. Staff [are] friendly and helpful. We definitely will be back!”

2nd: Sherman’s Antiques

3rd: The Barn Antiques


BEST THRIFT STORE

TOP BUTTONS BOUTIQUE

226 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

(Other locations in Bartow, Lakeland, and St. Pete)

(863) 229-5158

FB @TopButtons

IG @topbuttons

Patrons can shop ‘til they drop at this repeat Best Thrift Store – and it’s all for a good cause. Top Buttons offers new and gently used thrift items at affordable prices so you can do high-end shopping without the high-end price tag. This faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable, and educational organization offers online platforms, educational events, clothing boutiques, and programs for teens in need, aiming to empower young women by providing the resources they need.

2nd: St. John’s Thrift Store For Missions

3rd: The Hippie Suitcase


BEST PAWN SHOP

TRADER’S PAWNSHOP

2880 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven

(863) 967-3933

FB: Traders Pawn

Trader’s Pawnshop is the self-proclaimed largest pawn shop in Central Florida and a great shop for tools, gold, electronics, and more. Trader’s has been in the pawn game for over 43 years, providing Polk County with excellent service and pre-used merchandise. They’re now doing online jewelry sales, so you can shop for bling wherever you are! Check their online catalog for new pieces on the regular. One customer notes, “Rodney and his crew are awesome. I love coming here. They are patient, informative and treat you like family whether you buy something or not. They truly take care of your needs. You have a customer for life!”

2nd: GC Pawn

3rd: Gold Star Pawn & Gun


BEST FURNITURE STORE

BADCOCK HOME FURNITURE & MORE

1399 6th St NW, Winter Haven

Multiple locations in Polk County

(863) 251-2039

FB @badcockfurniture

IG @badcockfurniture

Find furniture you’ll love for every room in the house at Badcock Home Furniture &more! Looking to ditch your saggy sofa for a new one? Check out Badcock’s selection of living room, dining room, and bedroom furniture, along with mattresses, appliances, electronics, and more. They even have financing options with affordable payment plans. Want a visual of what that new bedroom set might look like in your home? Badcock’s website offers a Room Planner where you first select the room that fits your home, style the space using the hundreds of Badcock items to choose from, and shop those items by checking out online or save it for an in-store purchase.

2nd: Claussen’s Fine Furniture

3rd: Brooks Furniture & Mattress Store


BEST WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET VENDOR

MORENA’S CAKES & MORE BAKERY

Inside The Hippie Suitcase at 300 1st St. S, Winter Haven

(561) 729-1764

FB: Morena’s Cakes & More Bakery Cafe, LLC (Morena)

IG @morenascakesandmore

This Winter Haven Farmers Market mainstay offers tasty baked goods, Dominican-Cuban Picaderas, and fresh empanadas. There’s always a line at this tent, with guests buying up the freshly made breakfast empanadas. According to the ohso-sweet owner, “I’m truly passionate about taste and quality, and I am a true believer that food is more than food. Food is all about memories, and how it can take you back to the sweetest place. Baking has really allowed my artistic side to flourish, and I have been able to apply my passion for cooking and baking, into building something that I truly adore.” One five-star review reads in part, “Polk County’s #1 in my opinion! I haven’t tried anything that I don’t love! Her cookies, cakes, and pastries are like no other I’ve ever tried. [...]”

2nd: Baxter’s Quality Meats & Fine Seafood

3rd: (tie) Bandidas

3rd: (tie) Aqua Organics


BEST NEW RETAIL BUSINESS

SEVEN ANCHORS CO.

219 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

(863) 333-9651

FB: Seven Anchors Co.

IG: seven_anchors_

Customers are crazy for Seven Anchors Co.! This 3rd Street shop offers a selection of men’s and women’s casual wear and surf-style apparel. Patrons laud Seven Anchors Co. for their extensive selection and helpful customer service. One customer raves, “Had an amazing selection of clothes there for men and women. Super friendly staff. Clothes were super high quality and [were] worth every penny. I will be sure to come back and shop again.”

2nd: (tie) Island Dreaming Boutique

2nd: (tie) Haven Local Shop

3rd: The Hippie Suitcase


BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

ISLAND DREAMING BOUTIQUE

34 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

(863) 268-8734

FB: Island dreaming by Selina Gaudette

IG @islanddreamingbysg

This Winter Haven lifestyle boutique has what you need for girls night, date night, or any night! Stylish dresses, tops, jewelry, and accessories line the shelves of this coastal closet. They have one thing you can’t buy, though – fantastic customer service. Patrons rave about owner Salena Gaudette for being helpful and knowledgeable when assisting customers in picking the perfect outfit. One customer recommended Island Dreaming Boutique, saying, “This beautiful shop has such cute clothes. Shopping there is special. Selina is very personable, and great at assisting with choices and sizing! They also have an awesome gift selection.”

2nd: Seven Anchors Co.

3rd: The Red Geranium

Editor’s Pick: The Potting Bench

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