These reader-voted picks are from the 2026 LINK nky Readers’ Choice Awards. Check out the winners in every category here.
Northern Kentucky knows how to shop, but more importantly, this community knows how to support the local businesses that make the region worth exploring.
Whether you’re hunting for a rare bourbon, browsing a charming boutique, stocking up at a beloved butcher shop, or scoring a hidden gem at a vintage store, NKY’s shopping scene is full of personality and surprises.Â
This year’s Reader’s Choice winners in the Shopping category reflect a community that takes pride in where it spends its dollars and who it supports. These are the stores, markets and merchants our readers love, trust and tell everyone about.
Go ahead: Treat yourself, NKY. You’ve earned it.
BARGAIN SHOPPING
1. St. Vincent de Paul – Northern KY
2. NKY Bargain Outlet
3. Calina’s Cafe, Candles, & Collectables
BEER SELECTION
1. Crafts & Vines
2. The Party Source
3. Barleycorn’s
BOOKSTORE
1. Roebling Books & Coffee
2. The Hidden Chapter Bookstore
3. Half Price Books
BOURBON SELECTION
1. The 859 Taproom And Grill
2. The Party Source
3. Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar
BUTCHER SHOP
1. Bill Finke & Sons
2. Kremer’s Market
3. Rekas Butchery and Delicatessen
CAR DEALER
1. Kerry Toyota
2. Tom Gill Chevrolet
3. Mike Castrucci Ford of Alexandria Service
CARPET/FLOORING
1. Earl Franks Sons And Daughters
2. Big Bobs Flooring Outlet
3. Pferrman Floor Covering Co
FARMER’S MARKET
1. Findlay Market
2. Fort Thomas Farmers Market
3. C.P. Reeves Market, LLC
FLORIST
1. Scarlet Begonia’s Flower Truck, LLC
2. Swan Floral & Gift Shop
3. Jackson Florist And Garden Center
FURNITURE
1. St. Vincent de Paul – Northern KY
2. Furniture Fair (Bedroom & Dining)
3. Best Furniture Gallery
GARDEN CENTER/NURSERY
1. Baeten’s Nursery & Greenhouses
2. Fort Thomas Florists & Greenhouses
3. Succulent senorita greenhouse
GROCERY STORE
1. Kremer’s Market
2. Trader Joe’s
3. Kroger
HOME DECOR
1. Hobby Lobby
2. HomeGoods
3. Succulent senorita greenhouse
JEWELRY STORE
1. Asmi LLC
2. Purple Paisley, Local Artisan Shop
3. Schulz Jewelers
LIQUOR STORE
1. The Party Source
2. One Stop Liquors
3. Party Town
MEN’S FASHION
1. Dillard’s
2. Target
3. Walmart
NEW STORE (OPENED IN 2025 OR AFTER)
1. Ella Oak Boutique
2. Monmouth St. Mercantile
3. World Market
VINTAGE STORE
1. Route 27 Antique Mall
2. Secret Sister Thrift Boutique
3. Faded Finds
WINE SELECTION
1. Crafts & Vines
2. Ripple Wine Bar | Wine Bar & Restaurant | Covington, KY
3. The Party Source
WOMEN’S FASHION
1. Ella Oak Boutique
2. Handzy Shop + Studio
3. Ape Made It Boutique
