BOTW 2025 SHOPPING WINNERS
When you want to set yourself apart from the crowd, you shop local.
Would you rather hear, “I love that shirt, where did you get that?” or “Nice top! I keep getting it in my Instagram ads.” When something is thrifted, or handmade, or highly curated, it becomes all the more precious because it’s so unique—and it doesn’t hurt that you’re supporting others in the community.
That’s a great mentality for gifts especially, which is why Rebel has won best Gift Shop all 10 years of Best of the West. It’s because they put thought and effort into their offerings, and work to truly be part of Grand Rapids.
The same goes for shops like Gazelle or Schuler or Fitzgerald’s, which may sell products from larger brands but also invest back into the community 10,000 times more than a big national chain. When you shop local, you’re making your own home better.
To support these efforts, we last year introduced a new category, Best New Store/Business. This year, the winner is Good Good Good, which is not only an all-natural wine bar but also a wine shop and florist, very quickly forming a tight bond with the community. They’re fun, knowledgeable, passionate, and work hard to make everyone feel at home.
For the finalists, we have Cellar Bird Books, which immediately entered the top three for Best Bookstore as well, likely thanks to a similar amount of knowledge, passion and community building. Plus FERAL, which also joined the Hiking/Outdoor Gear category. At this unique shop, used outdoor gear is the main attraction, from backpacks to tents, harnesses, helmets and more—along with fashionable used apparel.
STAFF PICKS
Grocery Store - Kingma’s Market
Go here any day of the week, and you’re likely to run into me or my mister—or, often, both of us. They carry all kinds of specialty items that are hard to find anywhere else, including paneer for making Indian simmer, Ukrainian crepes, and local-ish tortillas. They have an exceptional wine selection with interesting picks on the endcaps, plus pre-made salads and sandwiches and pastries from local bakeries. Let’s not forget the big wall-o-bulk foods, from nuts to candies, dried fruits and more. – Allison Kay Bannister
