Best Furniture Store
Winner: Nebraska Furniture Mart
Okay, so it’s not technically in Johnson County. But NFM so thoroughly dominated both the nominations and the voting rounds in this year’s Best of Johnson County that it’s clearly become JoCo’s go-to destination to furnish a home.
Founded by a family of first-generation immigrants, NFM has come a long way since Rose “Mrs. B” Blumkin started her humble furniture business. The first NFM, originally called Nebraska Furniture Mart, was inspired by a deceptively simple principle: “Sell cheap and tell the truth.” The NFM of today has expanded Mrs. B’s vision to nearly every home essential.
Indeed, it’s become a one-stop home shop offering everything from home theater installation and luxury appliances to interior design and countertops. They’ve even got a mobile flooring showroom that brings our best hard surface and carpet options to customers!
The business carries everything from furniture to flooring, appliances, and even electronics. To truly achieve a world-class experience, this store backs up top brands with their own expert services. With teams of trained professionals handling flooring installation, countertop fabrication and even interior design, it seems there is no task too daunting for the home specialists at NFM. Despite the big size of NFM’s location, the store, which is now run by Mrs. B’s grandchildren, still operates with the small business sensibilities from its founding.
Over the 20 years NFM has been in the Kansas City area, not only have its sales professionals formed lasting partnerships with local customers, but NFM has made waves connecting with the community. Their employees volunteer at the food bank, help with neighborhood cleanups, assist non-profits setting up for fundraising events, donate to the local shelters, and so much more.
Whether it’s repping support from football champions or throwing monthly events, NFM is all about being the home store that helps people feel at home. Find out more about them at their website here.
Runners up: Crowley and La-Z-Boy Furniture
Best Jewelry Store
Winner: Joslin’s Jewlery
Joslin’s story began in 1977 when they started doing business as a “Custom Jeweler” – one that became known for creating custom jewelry at a price everyone could afford. In 1982, Gary Joslin joined the jewelry business. Soon after, the Overland Park store was opened. With Gary Joslin’s outgoing personality, the store began to grow fast, making each person feel special. Fast forward to today, Gary and his family still run the store with the same passion, making sure each person feels special when they walk through the front door. Find out more at their website here.
Runners up: House of Diamonds and Shane & Co.
Best Liquor Store
Winner: UnKCorked
UnKCorked is Johnson’s County’s premier destination for wine enthusiasts, cocktail aficionados, and craft beer connoisseurs alike. With over 800 wines, more than 600 spirits, and a gigantic beer cave, unKCorked is sure to have everything you need! Our inventory is a revolving door of new products, so there is always something to catch your eye… and your taste buds. unKCorked is owned by two Certified Sommeliers with over 40 years of industry experience combined. You can find out more about them at their website here.
Runner up: Gomer’s
Best Florist
Winner: Gregory’s Fine Floral
Gregory’s Fine Floral is a premier florist that opened in April of 2014 offering custom floral bouquets for delivery in Prairie Village and the surrounding Kansas City areas. Gregory’s also offers a wide variety of beautiful gifts perfect for any occasion. You can find out more about them at their website here.
Runners up: The Little Flower Shop and Village Flower Company
Best Bike Shop
Winner: Bike America
Runners up: Trek Shawnee and Erik’s Bike Shop
Best Hobby or Craft Store
Winner: Mission Board Games
Runners up: KC Brick Store and Hobby Lobby Overland Park
Best Gift Shop
Winner: Ten Thousand Villages
Runners up: Made in KC Marketplace and Past & Presents
Best Independent Book Store
Winner: Rainy Day Books
Runners up: Seven Stories and Monarch Books
Best Record Store
Winner: Vinyl Renaissance
Runners up: Brother’s Records and Vinyl Heaven
