Voted by SFGN's readers, these are Broward's best places to shop at.

Best Adult Store: LeatherWerks

1226 N.E. 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale

leatherwerks.comeatherwerks.com

For two years in a row, LeatherWerks has won Best Adult Store in Broward County.

Around the time the store was founded by Bear Man and Eric Lawrence in 1995, it was operated by the founders and one part-time employee. But that’s not the case anymore.

“The LeatherWerks family — from our management team to our sales associate team — works to ensure each customer has a positive experience,” said Mark McKenzie in 2021. “We recognize that our customers have evolving needs and interests and we strive to keep a step ahead to meet those needs.”

“Excellent service, clean environment and the scent of leather hits you the moment you walk in the door,” wrote a reviewer on Facebook.

Runner-up: Pride Factory

-KS

Best Gift Store: To The Moon

2205 Wilton Drive, Fort Lauderdale 

ToTheMoonMarketplace.com

From an eclectic array of candy to toys for children and adults alike To The Moon has it all. And for the eighth year in a row, the store won the Best Gift Store in Broward.

“Many of our customers have been shopping here since the day we opened,” said owner Antonio Dumas. “Many businesses closed during the pandemic, thanks to you we survived. Thank you.”

Some of To The Moon’s unique items include Christmas ornaments, X-rated cards, and collections of Betty Boop, Lucy, and Wizard of Oz.

“We are a unique store that offers over 20,000 different items,” he said. “If you have been here before you know that there are surprises on every shelf. So do something fun and take a trip To The Moon.”

Some of the store’s most popular items include anything related to Golden Girls of which the store has about 20 different items. And if there is one candy that you must buy – peanut butter cups. 

“Our homemade milk, white and dark peanut butter cups are known around the globe, people love them,” he said. “This is one of my ultimate favorites.

Runner-up: CLAUDIA CASTILLO Art Studio

-KS

Best Medical Practice: Midland Medical

Midland Medical Center

For the first time ever, Midland Medical has won the Best Medical Practice in Broward award.

The medical group attributed its win to its “commitment to providing the highest quality of medical care to the community to all our patients.”

The center has been servicing the Oakland Park and Wilton Manors community for over a decade, claiming to make managing healthcare easy. It has a full-service Pharmacy on-site, and many medications prescribed at a doctor's visit can be filled immediately.

The center offers other services as well.

“The Midland family is proud to announce our nonprofit division, Midland Cares, which provides health insurance solutions and an array of services to the community,” Midland said. 

Runner-up: Holy Cross Medical Group

-KS

Best Clothing Store: Pride Factory

2282 Wilton Drive  

pridefactory.com 

In 2022 the Pride Factory, Broward County’s Best Clothing Store, finally moved to the Drive; to the Shoppes of Wilton Manors (home of Hunter’s Nightclub and Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar).

Dedicated followers of fashion now have a new and better place to shop, right in the heart of Wilton Manors. Here they will find a variety of stylish men’s fashions including swimwear, underwear, accessories, and even some novelty items (though not the adult videos that graced the Factory during its early days). 

The Pride Factory’s new address is a vast improvement over its previous location and its staff is as friendly and knowledgeable as ever.

Runner Up – Macy’s

-JM

Best Thrift Store: Out of the Closet

2 Broward Locations 

1785 East Sunrise Boulevard Fort Lauderdale 

2097 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

Out of the Closet’s tagline is the world’s most fabulous thrift store. And the store really lives up to it. Whether you’re looking for a great bargain or a great way to give back to the community, shopping at Out of the Closet is an excellent way to do both. All three stores in South Florida are a go-to for people looking for retro clothing, quality furniture items, home décor, vintage records, electronics, and much more.

The windows on Wilton Drive are usually dressed to the nines. Once you walk in, you’ll find it’s also a great place to look for affordable holiday décor, no matter what holiday it is.

“Out of the Closet customers love that $0.96 of every $1 goes to support AIDS Healthcare Foundations HIV/AIDS treatment, awareness and prevention services provided in the local community,” said Robert Tolleson. “As well, we get lots of great feedback on the customer-focused feeling our shoppers receive from the staff.”

Out of the Closet provides free HIV testing and AHF Pharmacy services at all of its locations. It is the perfect place to donate your clothing, shoes, kitchenware, furniture, tools, and artwork; they also offer scheduled pick-ups for larger donations.

“With the winter season approaching and an array of holiday festivities taking place, our shoppers can expect some great sales to be announced and that we will continue to provide quality items at an affordable price, Tolleson said.

Runner-up: Poverello Thrift Store

– DR

Best Consignment Shop: Decades Design Group

2661 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306

1500 NE 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

“A goldmine of cool stuff.” That’s how one customer describes Decades Design Group on Facebook. Decades should be your first stop if you’re looking to buy or sell quality, stylish furniture. Both of its locations are filled with beautiful pieces and décor that make you want to redecorate immediately.  There are furniture options for bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and more. The art selection is out of this world — with something for everyone regardless of your preferences. The merchandise is updated often, with new pieces coming in regularly.  These days, it’s easy to forget what real customer service is. Decades is a great place to go for a reminder. The folks who work at Decades can teach a master class in being helpful, polite, and knowledgeable about their merchandise.

Runner-up: Oddballs Nifty Thrift

– DR

Best Art Gallery: Claudia Castillo ART Studio

Of the five years that Claudia Castillo ART Studio has been a part of Wilton Drive, this is the fourth year in a row that the studio has won the title of Best Art Gallery in Broward County.

Owner and artist Claudia Castillo has helped bring color into Wilton Manors, with public art projects like painting the parking meters along the Drive, Rainbow Bridge, and the manatee sculpture at Justin Flippen Park. Her gallery is a culmination of her passion for art, featuring work from other artists, her own art, jewelry, and a variety of home decor.

“I love my studio and enjoy being there each day and meeting new people who love art or just want to stop in and say hello. I consider the studio a special place that always has its doors open to receive everyone. It is a place where you can always find something new for yourself or for a gift with the beautiful unique artwork and collectible items that we have available. Our warmest thanks again to everyone for their support for the past years.” 

In a recent interview conducted in celebration of her fifth anniversary, she said, “I hope that everyone can visit the studio in the next few months to enjoy our new collections of artist’s work, my artwork and all of the unique gift ideas for the holidays!”

Castillo’s art gallery is a great place for unique gifts as well.

“After my artwork, the jewelry and bracelets are the most popular items we offer,” she said. “Clients love the originally designed natural stone pieces that can be custom fit.”

Runner up: Art Frenzie

– BM

All courtesy photos.

Read the Best Of 2022 Issue on Issuu.com.