BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE
PUBLIX FB
@publix IG
@publix
The name Publix is synonymous with superior customer service, and that wasn’t by accident. “Throughout our history, our associates and customers have helped Publix grow from a single store into the largest employee-owned company in the United States,” says Publix. “We thank them by remaining deeply dedicated to customer service and community involvement, and being a great place to work.” Publix team members are always friendly and eager to help customers, creating a luxury grocery shopping experience.
2nd: Scout & Tag
3rd: (TIE) Amelia Paige Boutique
3rd: (TIE) Your CBD Store | SUNMED
BEST CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
AMELIA PAIGE BOUTIQUE
223 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland
(863) 500-4264
FB: Amelia Paige Boutique
IG @ameliapaigeboutique
Owner Alicia Lovett and her husband opened Amelia Paige Boutique in 2016. She writes, “I love our town and love having a place for you to come shop with your loved ones. Our family has poured so much love into this boutique, so we hope you love it as much as we do!” Amelia Paige offers on-trend finds to stock your closet, from tops, bottoms, dresses, and rompers, to jewelry, accessories, shoes, and gifts. One customer writes, “I absolutely love to browse through this store! Whoever the buyer is, does such a good job, and the decorator, maybe they’re the same, are so gifted. Every little vignette is so cute and fun. I love getting gifts there, and the clothes are darling. I will be back.”
2nd: Bungalow Boutique and Gifts
3rd: Plum Boutique
BEST GIFT SHOP
SCOUT & TAG
244 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland
(863) 225-2426
FB @scoutingVintage
IG @scoutandtag
This 3500-square-foot storefront offers plenty of locally-sourced Lakeland gifts. Scout & Tag has the cutest furnishings, decor, gifts, Lakeland-centric items, and Annie Sloan Chalk Paint products. Rafa Natural also has a space offering organic and natural skincare products inside Scout & Tag. After browsing Rafa’s delightful soaps and such, check out Scout & Tag’s offerings of seasonal items, custom pieces, apparel, accessories, bride and groom, baby items, pet items, furniture, home accents, drinkware, plants, books and paper goods, puzzles, trinkets, and more.
2nd: Bungalow Boutique and Gifts
3rd: Stationery Loft & Gift Boutique
BEST JEWELER
GAINES JEWELERS
112 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland
(863) 688-8557
FB: Gaines Jewelers
IG @gaines_jewelers
“Excellent jeweler, great custom, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and much more!” writes one Gaines Jewelers customer. This gem of a jewelry shop has been a Lakeland staple since 1935. It originally opened as a watch repair shop, but today offers an extensive selection of jewelry, bridal, and gifts for every occasion. In December 2017, Gina and Dean Saunders, both longtime Gaines customers, purchased the store. “Purchasing the store was [Gina’s] way of ‘celebrating every day’ - she loves and finds joy being a part of not only a legacy business but also being a part of all of our customers’ special moments to be celebrated.”
2nd: Munchel’s Fine Jewelry
3rd: (TIE) Foshee Jewelers
3rd: (TIE) Marshall Jewelers
BEST ANTIQUE STORE
JUNE TAYLOR
125 N Kentucky Ave #103, Lakeland
(863) 331-5873
FB: June Taylor
IG @junetaylorshop
Looking for some abstract art to hang on your office wall or a new set of chairs to spruce up your living room? Check out,June Taylor! “Transitional design and pieces are what separate us. We’re not solely modern, mid-century, or antiques, but we like to mix the styles to create a unique store with a distinct look.” Owners Kelly and Bill work hard to find and restore an artful amalgamation of mid-century, boho, and classical pieces for their clients. One June Taylor patron said, “Kelly’s shop is amazing! Always full of thoughtfully picked items. We scored this beautiful bar hutch. Great shop to spend some time in. We will be back soon!”
2nd: Dixieland Relics
3rd: The Curated Collective
BEST THRIFT STORE
LIGHTHOUSE MINISTRIES THRIFT STORE
3111 US-98 S. Suite 130, Lakeland
(863) 687-4076 ext. 256
FB: Lighthouse Ministries
Lighthouse Ministries offers many noteworthy programs, including a Gospel Rescue Mission sheltering men, a residential Life Learning Program for men and women, outreach centers, and community homeless intervention. But it’s their thrift store getting the praise today. Lighthouse Ministries Thrift Store accepts donated goods like clothing, furniture, and household items and offers them at low prices. Proceeds help fund their resident interns who gain experience working there.
2nd: Top Buttons
3rd: The Salvation Army
BEST PAWN SHOP
WEST COAST PAWN & GUN OF LAKELAND, FLORIDA
5619 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland
(863) 816-5830
FB: WEST COAST PAWN
West Coast Pawn & Gun is a family-owned business serving Lakeland since 2008. “We take pride in giving our customers excellent customer service while providing a relaxing atmosphere with an abundance of options.” One customer writes, “I have been doing business with West Coast Pawn for about 3 years now. They have great prices and very knowledgeable. I have been in a lot of gun shops and they like to speak down or act like you have no clue what you are talking about. If you are new to firearms and don’t want to deal with that environment I suggest going in and speaking with them. If I could give them more than a 5-star, I would! You guys have my business!”
2nd: Value Pawn & Jewelry
3rd: GC Pawn Lakeland
BEST BIKE SHOP
LEROY’S BIKEWORKS
6935 S Carter Rd #2, Lakeland
(863) 937-9028
FB: LeRoy’s Bikeworks
IG @leroysbikeworks
For bikes, bike rentals, accessories, disc golf, service, and more, cycle down to LeRoy’s Bikeworks. Reviews laud LeRoy’s for friendly, expedient service and reasonable prices. One happy rider wrote, “Great shop, great service! My bike was in serious need of a tune-up and Mike did an excellent job getting it back in working condition. He even had it ready for me a day early. It rides better than ever. Definitely recommend!”
2nd: Bent’s Schwinn Cycling & Fitness
3rd: Trek Bicycle Lakeland
BEST BOOK STORE
PRESSED LKLD 213 E Bay St, Lakeland
(863) 603-3166
FB @pressedlkld
IG @pressedlkld
You’d be hard ‘Pressed’ to find a better bookstore in the area. Independent bookstore and coffee shop, Pressed is a Best Of LKLD voter favorite! Christina and Paul Needham opened the downtown Lakeland bookstore two years ago as a “gathering space for people in our community to work, read, study, and engage in meaningful conversation.” After picking up an Ethos coffee, Honeycomb Bread Bakers, or Bandidas pastry from the bar, browse the Pressed curated selection of new and used books across genres. Book it over to the events tab on their website to see what’s happening at Pressed!
2nd: Books-A-Million
3rd: Little Bus Books
BEST FURNITURE STORE
BADCOCK HOME FURNITURE &MORE
(Multiple locations)
FB @badcockfurniture
IG @badcockfurniture
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 in-store purchase.
2nd: June Taylor
3rd: Havertys Furniture
BEST LAKELAND DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET VENDOR
BANDIDAS
FB: Bandidas
IG @bandidas_lkld
Gabby and Gio are the oh-so-sweet couple behind this Lakeland pop-up cafe. According to Bandidas, “Connection is at the core of everything we do. Through the lens of food, we strive to create inclusive spaces where everyone is welcome. From pop-up markets to wholesale pastries, our menus are ever-evolving to highlight the seasons and our current inspirations.” Over savory empanadas and toothsome tres leches the Bandidas babes have cultivated a following that crave their craft kitchen fare. Visit this Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market mainstay for some of the tastiest treats and best vibes around. (Pro tip, check out their online cake orders. I’m getting a guava and cream cheese layer cake for my birthday!)
2nd: Meraki Bakehouse
3rd: East of These
