BUSINESS PRODUCTS
BEST AUTO DEALER (Domestic)
Since it first opened for business in 1986, Bob Allen Ford has lived and breathed customer service. That resonates with Ingram’s readers, who award Gold honors to this family-owned dealership from Overland Park, which embraces the motto “All Fords are created equal, it’s the dealer that makes the difference.” Silver honors go to Dick Smith Ford of Raytown, now celebrating 60 years in business and a six-time winner of the auto maker’s President’s Award. And yes, you’re seeing a trend here: Gary Crossley Ford, a pillar of the Northland, completes a sweep for the Ford brand by picking up Bronze recognition.
BEST AUTO DEALER (Foreign)
Whether it’s a Mercedes or a Maserati, a Porsche or a Jaguar, your car says something about you. The folks at Aristocrat Motors in Merriam can help you put the proper punctuation on that statement. Readers say the customer experience and choices that include Land Rovers and Smart cars make Aristocrat the Gold standard for import vehicle sales and service. Long known as Superior Lexus located in south KC, Silver winner Hendrick Lexus has more than just a new name—its new headquarters on Frontage Road in Merriam is all about customer service, which even includes a concierge attendant. And Baron BMW not only bags Bronze, it helps hometown Merriam sweep the honors in this category, with its offerings of both new and used cars.
BEST CORPORATE GIFTS
Has there been a time when Halls Kansas City wasn’t the readers’ pick for Gold in this category? Not that we can recall. There are two very good reasons for that: Elegance and exceptionality in apparel, corporate gifts and household décor. You’ll find both on display in abundance at their Country Club Plaza and Crown Center stores, with gifts, gift cards and an outstanding wedding registry. Anyone can brand merchandise for you, but the pros at Mid-America Merchandising help you merchandize your brand—an important distinction, and one that makes this business founded in 1984 our Silver selection, with its vast array of promotional products. And with gifts for every occasion—including a salivation-inducing butcher counter—Dean & DeLuca wraps up the Bronze.
BEST ELECTRONICS STORE AND/OR CHAIN
Since this category debuted in 2010, it’s been a year-after-year sweep for Best Buy, back again with Gold honors. With 11 locations in the Kansas City region, the company demonstrates why it’s North America’s No. 1 specialty retailer of consumer electronics, personal computers, entertainment software and appliances. Micro Center, by contrast, has just one location in the region, but it’s a dandy: The Overland Park store is packed with all manner of electronic gadgetry, accessories and parts, and this Silver winner offers service on virtually all of it. And the iconic—and Bronze-winning—Nebraska Furniture Mart, despite the name, is also a rich resource for computers, TVs audio systems, smart phones and more from its mammoth location in Wyandotte County’s Village West.
BEST FLORIST
Striking floral arrangements, lavish event productions, and stunning interior design services bring clients from across the nation to the doors of Trapp & Company in Midtown Kansas City, and readers respond with Gold votes. And don’t overlook their Trapp Candles and Scents, product lines invented by founder Bob Trapp himself after the company opened in 1969. Another long-time floral and design staple, The Fiddly Fig in Brookside, has been offering unique and distinctive floral arrangements, gifts, and decorations for all occasions for more than 30 years, and earns this year’s Silver. And with locations Downtown and in Overland Park, Bronze-winning Tobler’s Flowers produces floral feasts for the eyes and nose, as well as tastier versions with their gourmet baskets, plus many other products for almost any occasion.
BEST JEWELER
A name synonymous with fine jewelry in Kansas City—Tivol—is appropriately adorned in Gold for this category. From its stores in Overland Park and on the Country Club Plaza, patrons can select from jewelry, timepieces and more from 40 leading designers. Back near the top of readers’ ballots for the first time since 2005, and in Silver fashion, family-owned Mazzarese dazzles with selections from its Leawood location (a “branch” of the family’s retail holdings is still going strong in Italy). And Bronze goes to Northland fixture Meierotto Midwest Jewelers, with its lineup of wedding and engagement offerings, watches, collector coins and more.
BEST LIQUOR STORE/WINE SELLER
Not all of the finer things in life can be worn or driven; some, you simply have to taste. A commitment to that user experience is what makes Lukas Liquors Superstore our Gold-bearer in spirits, wine and specialty beers. From ultra-premium tequilas, cognacs and rum to spectacular wine offerings and specialty beers, the stores in Overland Park and South Kansas City deliver on the promise of fine drinks. Gomer’s, with four locations in Missouri and another in Kansas, makes fine spirits, wines and beers readily accessible throughout the metropolitan area, earning Silver in the process. And the competition for Bronze produces a tie between Shawnee-based Missie’s Discount Liquors, a newcomer to the Best of Business KC voting, and long-time favorite Rimann Liquors, with locations in Lenexa and Prairie Village.
BEST MEN’S APPAREL
Making a fashion statement? Make one that sticks: Halls Kansas City’s Gold-winning lineup of designer men’s suits does just that. And its array of shirts, slacks and accessories, from more than 40 designers like John Varvatos, Kenneth Cole and Ralph Lauren, helps complete the look that spells “success.” Claiming the Silver is long-time honoree Nordstrom, for it’s extensive collection of fine men’s wear. And since man does not dress by suit alone, south Kansas City’s Baldwin Men’s Shop shares the Bronze with its arsenal of denim and recreational apparel that lets you relax and still look terrific while doing it. Bronze honors also goes to JoS. A. Bank Clothiers, with three area locations that deftly execute the challenge of com-bining quality, look and affordability.
BEST WOMEN’S APPAREL
Clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, cosmetics, fragrances—what’s not to like about Nordstrom for those women who are crafting their own fashion statements? The discriminating tastes of women who read Ingram’s say Nordstrom is the Gold winner yet again this year, and the store traffic at the Oak Park Mall location seems to back that up. Delivering Silver service, selection and style is Ann Taylor, featuring suits, separates, dresses, shoes and accessories. It boasts two Country Club Plaza locations, including the Loft location specializing in casual wear. Bronze honors go to Standard Style, the locally owned operation on the Plaza and at the Shops at One Nineteen in Leawood, offering designer women’s clothing, shoes and handbags.
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