2025 The Times Best of the Region: Shopping

Crown Point

219-779-9767

crownantiquemall.net

Owner Mark Kratkoczki said Crown Antique Mall has been connecting customers with the charm and character of vintage and antique goods since  2019.

“We offer antiques and vintage items, including furniture, home décor, collectibles and treasures from various eras,” said Kratkoczki. “Our dedication to providing high-quality, unique items, combined with our passion for antiques, resonates with our customers and keeps them coming back.”

The mall features two large vendor warehouses offering unique products and hosting events such as celebrity meet-and-greets, seasonal markets, car shows, holiday celebrations and customer appreciation days.

Kratkoczki says the strong team and supportive vendor community are focused on service and a welcoming atmosphere.

“We are truly honored to win first place in the Best of the Region 2025, making it our sixth consecutive win. This reflects the hard work of our dedicated employees and the loyalty of our wonderful customers and vendors, making it something I am truly grateful for and proud of,” Kratkoczki said. “We look forward to continuing to serve our community and sharing our love for antiques with everyone who walks through our doors."

SECOND PLACE

America's Antique Mall

8311 Indianapolis Blvd.

Highland

219-237-2386

americasantiquemall.com

THIRD PLACE

Antiques on Main

142 N. Main St.

Crown Point

219-663-1528

www.antiquesonmaincp.com

Crown Point

219-663-1528

Antiquesonmaincp.com

Sisters Loretta Nosal and Brenda Turner have turned into an effective tag-team since owning the shop for the last four years.

But there are close to 75 other reasons the shop is successful: The vendors who sell their wares at Antiques on Main.

“We have some fabulous vendors, and I have to give credit to them first,” Turner said. “They have great products.

“We also like to make it a welcoming environment. We will chit-chat with people and say ‘hello.’ It’s just a friendly atmosphere, and it’s a happy place where people like to be.

“Every time someone new comes in, they say it’s much bigger than it looks from the outside,” Turner said of the  85,000-square-foot facility.

SECOND PLACE

Yesterday’s Treasures Antique Mall & Artisan Gallery

700 Broadway

Chesterton

219-926-2268

Chestertonantiquemall.com

THIRD PLACE

America’s Antique Mall

8311 Indianapolis Blvd.

Highland

219-237-2386

americasantiquemall.com

Crown Point

219-769-4161

nasons.net

With almost 100 years in business, Nason’s Appliances remains a success with its  commitment to a positive customer experience.

Nason’s carries a full line of household appliances from the top brands in the industry and prides itself on making the purchasing process easy for customers.

 Nason’s offers delivery, installation, haul-aways and repairs as well as  promotions and rebates.

SECOND PLACE

Maruszczak Appliance

7809 W. Lincoln Hwy.

Schererville

219-865-0555

maruszczak.com

THIRD PLACE

Blink Appliances & Kitchens

2717 Glenwood-Lansing Road

Lynwood

708-889-1860

blinkappliance.com

Highland

219-923-0977

Elegancewedding.net

In its 23rd year in business, Elegance Wedding & Evening Wear racked up another Best of Region selection.

Owner Charlott Sitarski is a Griffith High School graduate who discovered her love for working in a bridal shop early in life and has moved up to running a successful business.

According to the shop’s website, it is a “sanctuary where every bride can find her perfect dress surrounded by a supportive team that believes in core values of celebration, empowerment and love.”

Sitarski said during a 2024 interview that the mission is to “empower women and make them feel beautiful and confident.”

SECOND PLACE

Purple Door Bridal & Prom Boutique

407 E. Commercial Ave.

Lowell

219-209-4433

www.purpledoorbridalboutique.com

THIRD PLACE

Paris House of Bridal 

728 Franklin St.

Michigan City

219-874-7786

Parishouseofbridal.com

Schillings.com

Schillings also was voted Best Home Improvement Store.

SECOND PLACE

Cugini Woodworking

425 Joliet St., Suite 121

Dyer

800-470-8011

Cuginiwoodworking.com

THIRD PLACE

JR Custom Cabinets

16855 Mississippi St.

Lowell

219-696-7205

Jrcustomcabinets.com

Highland

219-595-5561

Creativecarpetinc.com

General manger Mark Bouquet Jr. says he loves working with his family at Creative Carpet and Flooring. His father, Mark Sr., and his mother, Tammy, founded the business in Mokena in 1990. Some of his brothers are also on board.

“We are customer-centered,” Bouquet Jr. said. “That’s our main focus with everything that we do. Everything after that comes after the customer service.

“We’re not a one-size-fits-all store. Every customer is satisfied.”

Bouquet knows that shopping for his product can be overwhelming.

“We want to make sure that the product that we pick is suitable for what the customer wants to achieve,” he said. “Whether it’s cost or durability or style or a combination of any of the three, we shop with you in the showroom. We want to guide you throughout the process.”

SECOND PLACE

Schillings

Multiple locations

Schillings.com

THIRD PLACE

Lowell Carpet & Coverings

317 E. Commercial Ave.

Lowell

219-696-8800

Lowellcarpetandcoverings.com

Crown Point

219-226-4065

www.shopdeardaniboutique.com

Dear Dani Boutique also was voted Best Women’s Clothing Store.

SECOND PLACE

Ruff N Tuff Country Store

403 W. Commercial Ave.

Lowell

219-696-6054

www.ruffntuffshop.com

THIRD PLACE

Eco Chic Boutique

425 Joliet St., Suite 211

Dyer

219-227-0646

www.ecochicboutique.us

Munster

219-924-3555

Hodsoncoins.com

Manager Paul Hodson said that stability is a key to the business, which was started by John Hodson five decades ago.

“We’ve been in the same location for 50 years,” he said. “My father opened the store in 1975, and we have been in the same location ever since.”

But it’s not just a long-standing location that helped make the business stand out.

“Every deal that we do — big or small — it’s all about honesty and integrity,” he said. “It doesn’t matter the size of it.”

Paul Hodson says the shop has long-time customers and is hoping the younger crowd picks up an interest in coin collecting.

“They are starting to,” he said. “When parents come in to collect coins or to buy silver, I always try to get their kids involved. I’ll give them a free silver dime or a free silver quarter. I try to give them a history lesson on the coin. I want to get them interested in things other than social media and things like that.”

SECOND PLACE

Albert’s Diamond Jewelers

711 Main St.

Highland

219-322-2700

Albertsjewelers.com

THIRD PLACE

The eState Jewelers

3101 Willowcrest Road

Portage

219-764-4316

Theestatejewelers.jewelershowcase.com

219-756-2265

centier.com

Centier Bank also was voted Best Bank.

SECOND PLACE

Schillings

Multiple locations

schillings.com

THIRD PLACE

Albert's Diamond Jewelers

711 Main St.

Schererville

219-322-2700

albertsjewelers.com

219-924-7588

strackandvantil.com

Strack & Van Til was also voted Best Fried Chicken, Best Caterer, Best Grocery/Food Delivery, Best Flower Shop, Best Grocery Store, Best Place to Buy Produce, Best Place to Buy Seafood and Best Rewards/Loyalty Program.

SECOND PLACE

Rob’s Meat Chop & Deli

1102 Fairview Drive

Dyer

219-322-8760

robsmeatchop.com

THIRD PLACE

Welch’s Stop & Shop

11333 W. 95th St.

St. John

219-365-8190

welchsmeats.com

Lowell

219-696-6054

www.ruffntuffshop.com

When the Ruff N Tuff clothing store tag-teamed with a feed store nine years ago, it created a hybrid that resonates with shoppers.

“We’re a small, family-owned business and offer a variety of products,” store manager Melanie Munster said. “We have men’s clothing, men’s boots, women’s clothing, home and garden, animal feed, you name it.”

She said the store is a smaller version of Farm & Fleet.

Brian and Cathie Mitsch are the owners, and Munster said that having a family-owned business in this area is a strength.

“That’s what stands out the most,” Munster said. “A lot of people would much rather give back to a business that is family owned versus a corporation.”

Ruff N Tuff Country Store also was voted Best Men’s Clothing Store.

SECOND PLACE

Eco Chic Boutique

425 Joliet St., Suite 211

Dyer

219-227-0646

Ecochicboutique.us

THIRD PLACE

Second Life Resale Shoppe

1800 N. Main St.

Crown Point

219-663-5266

Secondliferesale.com

Dyer

219-406-5414

Stoneandpallet.com

This is a labor of love for owner Sherrie Benkovich.

Decades after her 8-year-old special-needs daughter, Sarah, died, Benkovich fulfilled her mission to own a business and hire special-needs employees.

“I’ve always been passionate about special needs,” she said. “My uncle also had special needs while I was growing up, and I worked at a facility for 17 1/2 years and I got this opportunity.”

Stone & Pallet has a variety of innovative projects for individuals and groups.

“We do birthday parties and bachelorette parties … you name it,” Benkovich said. “People can come in, we can grab and go with the projects. The community supports us with our special events.”

SECOND PLACE

Board & Brush Creative Studio

800 N. Main St.

Crown Point

219-323-3457

3510 N. Calumet Ave.

Valparaiso

219-286-3462

Boardandbrush.com

THIRD PLACE

The Artist’s Den

2817 Jewett Ave.

Highland

219-301-5598

Theartistsdenstudio.com

Crown Point

219-662-9675

Willysworksfireworks.com

Legend has it that Ricky “Willy” Chandler started selling fireworks out of his trunk 30 years ago.

From the trunk to tents to a brick and mortar store, Willy’s has grown and is The Times of Northwest Indiana’s Best Fireworks Store in a competitive category.

Manager Tommy Harney said that people have fun when they come to Willy’s.

“It’s a family store and when people come in there, we want to make sure they have a good time,” he said. “Everybody smiles when we’re together. We’re very personable.”

He said the shop is looking ahead.

“We have a lot of past customers — an older crowd. But we’re setting up the new generation of Willy’s legacy,” Harney said.

SECOND PLACE

Big Daddy K’s Fireworks

8337 Indianapolis Blvd.

Highland

219-923-8370

Bigdaddyksfireworksoutlet.com

THIRD PLACE

Shelton Fireworks

1601 U.S. Hwy. 20

Porter

219-929-1045

sheltonfireworks.com

219-455-1865

www.facebook.com/DeniseFloralDesigns

Denise Golfis learned early in life that she was good with plants and flowers.

Combine that with learning some business know-how that she picked up at Purdue University Northwest years ago, and that’s a power-packed combination that helped her rack up Best Florist awards.

Though she handles client by appointment and not through a traditional store, the business model works as she has her hands full with weddings, showers, proms and other events.

“I love when customers walk into their room and they are in awe and love everything you did,” said Golfis, who has been doing this for 39 years. “I love it when they are pleased with the arrangements or ecstatic over what you did for their special day.”

Denise Golfis also was voted Best Floral Designer.

SECOND PLACE

Kathy’s Florist

7126 Calumet Ave.

Hammond

219-937-1128

Yourkathysflorist.com

THIRD PLACE

Strack & Van Til

Multiple locations

219-924-7588

Strackandvantil.com

219-924-7588

strackandvantil.com/floral

Strack & Van Til was also voted Best Fried Chicken, Best Caterer, Best Deli, Best Grocery/Food Delivery, Best Grocery Store, Best Place to Buy Produce, Best Place to Buy Seafood and Best Rewards/Loyalty Program.

SECOND PLACE

Golden Afternoon Florist and Gift Shop

2817 Highway Ave.

Highland

219-301-7122

goldenafternoonblooms.com

THIRD PLACE

Denise Floral Designs

5634 Hohman Ave.

Hammond

219-455-1865

facebook.com/DeniseFloralDesigns

Dyer

219-213-2699

1510 N. Main St.

Crown Point

219-213-2699

Groensfinefurniture.com

General manager Jessica Groen is a third-generation member of a family that started the business in 1983, and she practically grew up in the Dyer store.

“We have a real good customer base, and we give the best service to our customers,” she said. “We try to offer quality products at affordable prices. We enjoy what we do and we love to make homes beautiful with new furniture.”

Her grandparents, David and Evelyn Groen, and her mother, Cathy Groen, are still actively involved in the business and Jessica Groen appreciates it.

“There is lot of wisdom to learn from. I feel like there is always something to learn,” she said. “It’s an exciting business and it’s fun. It’s a blessing to be able to work with your family.”

Groen’s Fine Furniture also was voted Best Mattress Store.

SECOND PLACE

Indiana Furniture and Mattress

1807 E. Lincoln Hwy.

Valparaiso

219-465-0545

Indiana-furniture.com

THIRD PLACE

DeYoung Interiors

8365 Wicker Ave.

St. John

219-365-8362

410 E. U.S Hwy. 30

Schererville

219-209-9866

Deyounginteriors.com

Cedar Lake

219-374-6757

Leosstore.com

Another year, another award.

The family-owned business has been around since 1979 and doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

“We’re third-generation and we’re still here,” said Justin Govert, vice president of the business. “People like our customer service and cleanliness.”

With a grandfather and a father running the place over the years, Govert has been a mainstay at the store, even as a child.

“I was ringing the cash register when I was 10-years-old,” he said. “I could barely see over the counter, but I was ringing it.”

SECOND PLACE

Amish Gardens on Parrish Avenue

16116 Parrish Ave.

Lowell

219-776-7225

Facebook.com/amishgar

THIRD PLACE

Van Kalker Farms & Greenhouses

1808 E. Joe Orr Road

Lynwood

708-758-1732

Vankalkerfarms.com

St. John

219-365-6010

shrineofchristspassion.org

The Shrine of Christ's Passion also was voted Best Public Garden/Outdoor Exhibition and Place to Volunteer.

SECOND PLACE

Golden Afternoon Florist and Gift Shop

2817 Highway Ave.

Highland

219-301-7122

www.goldenafternoonblooms.com

THIRD PLACE

Willow Blooms

2540 45th St.

Highland

219-924-1000

willowblooms.com

Chesterton

219-926-3866

olivezia.com

Olivezia provides customers with the highest quality olive oil and vinegars by sourcing their products from experts around the world.

“At Olivezia, we are dedicated to sourcing ultra-premium extra virgin olive oils from around the globe, ensuring that each bottle reflects the seasonality and freshness that gourmet cooking enthusiasts crave,” says owner Nada Karas. Products range from Navel Orange Fused Olive Oil to Lychee White Balsamic Vinegar and everything in between. You are sure to find a product with robust and unique flavors.

Add to this, Olivezia's focus on providing products that contribute to a healthier lifestyle and tastier cooking.

“Explore the exceptional product range at Olivezia and elevate your culinary adventures today,” says Karas.

SECOND PLACE

Old World Market

76 S. Washington St.

Valparaiso

219-476-0700

oldworldmarketonline.com

THIRD PLACE

Whole Foods Market

199 U.S. Hwy. 41

Schererville

219-864-5400

wholefoodsmarket.com

219-924-7588

strackandvantil.com

Since the late 1950s, no store has served its community better than Strack & Van Til.

Each of its 22 locations maintains the same high standard of fresh and quality groceries. All locations offer quality food services as well as floral, health and household items.

"At Strack & Van Til, our mission is to provide an outstanding shopping experience through exceptional service, clean stores with product variety and solutions that will continually evolve to meet the needs of our customers’ and the communities we serve, " says President Jeff Strack. "Our team works hard to follow through on this mission as we strive to make people's lives easier and Northwest Indiana a better place to live. We appreciate receiving this award again this year and want to thank our valued customers for trusting in us."

Strack & Van Til also was voted Best Caterer, Best Fried Chicken, Best Grocery/Food Delivery, Best Deli, Best Flower Shop, Best Place to Buy Produce, Best Place to Buy Seafood, and Best Rewards/Loyalty Program.

SECOND PLACE

Aldi

Multiple locations

219-464-2500

aldi.us

THIRD PLACE

Meijer

Multiple locations

877-363-4537

meijer.com

Valparaiso

219-561-7505

armory219.com

Armory 219 is a family owned firearm business that puts customer safety and satisfaction first.

Owner Aaron Kalman  notes that they are on a “first-name basis with all new and returning customers.”

Services range from custom builds, sand blasting, gun smithing and stippling as well as a wide range of firearms and gear. 

Kalman has put together a unique team of firearms experts to build a  reputation that speaks for itself.

Kalman thanks customers for "for supporting a local business."  

SECOND PLACE

South County Guns

2133 U.S. Hwy. 41

Schererville

219-390-7415

southcountyguns.com

THIRD PLACE

DBG Firearms

11721 W. 122nd Place

Cedar Lake

219-765-3479

www.dbgfirearms.com

www.acehardware.com

Local hardware stores generally offer a more personalized service than large home improvement stores. These stores are a part of the community and offer just as much variety.

“We are very humbled to be recognized as the Best of the Region in the hardware store category,” says Rob Grill, co-owner of Gus Bock's Ace Hardware. He and his brother Keith purchased the business from their father Keith Grill Sr. in 2006.

What started as the original Gus Bock store in Lansing in 1935 has expanded into northwest Indiana, namely Dyer, Munster, Winfield and Lansing. Great service and a wide selection in all categories attract people to their stores. Its newly upgraded fastener department is best in class. The Dyer store was nominated by Stihl power equipment as the retailer of the year in 2024.

According to Grill, “We have great teams at all of our locations who strive to do right by our guests and meet the needs of our neighbors.”

SECOND PLACE

Phillips Ace Hardware

611 E. Main St.

Valparaiso

219-464-8687

www.acehardware.com/store-details/05088

THIRD PLACE

Hopkins' Ace Hardware

325 S. Calumet Road

Chesterton

219-926-3737

www.acehardware.com/store-details/14094

Schererville

219-322-1635

homegoods.com

With a team of experts hunting for interesting, fashionable merchandise from around the world, shoppers can find something new to add pop to their home decor on every visit to HomeGoods.

Items include indoor and outdoor furniture, accents for every room, gifts and even pet supplies — with an emphasis on value. 

SECOND PLACE

Practically Magic Garden & Events

611 N. Indiana Ave.

Crown Point

219-333-2200

practicallymagicgardenandevents.com

THIRD PLACE

Hobby Lobby

2782 E. 79th St.

Merrillville

219-947-5096

210 Porters Vale Blvd.

Valparaiso

219-464-8211

www.hobbylobby.com

Schillings.com

It’s been 80 years since Frank J. Schilling and Louie W. Schilling opened a lumber yard and hardware store and the business is still going strong.

According to marketing director David Stump, this is the 17th year the business has been recognized in the Best of Region, and he said the customers have been loyal throughout the years.

“At Schillings, it’s all about quality — quality products, quality service and quality relationships,” Stump said. “We go above and beyond to ensure our customers are not just satisfied but delighted. Our long history of loyal customers speaks volumes, and we’re deeply committed to the community we’ve been a part of for 80 years.

“Whether it’s our knowledgeable staff, our wide selection of top-notch products or our dedication to making every project a success, we strive to be the partner our customers can count on.”

Schillings also was voted Best Cabinet Shop.

SECOND PLACE

Beautyguard Building Products

2400 Wicker Ave.

Schererville

219-322-5500

Beautyguardusa.com

THIRD PLACE

Menards

Multiple locations

Menards.com

Schererville

219-322-2700

albertsjewelers.com

In the heart of the Schererville shopping district, Albert’s Diamond Jewelers has established itself as one of the Region's premier jewelry shops in the century since it opened in East Chicago.

Owned since 1960 by the Halpern family, Albert’s continues to expand its selection of  notable brands such as Cartier, Gucci and David Yurman.

Albert’s also is a competitive buyer of diamonds, gold and other jewelry. A variety of events are held in-store throughout the year, giving customers even more of a reason to shop here. Albert’s is dedicated to creating a memorable experience for everyone who walks through its doors.

SECOND PLACE

Highland Jewelers Diamond Center

2839 Highway Ave.

Highland

219-838-2530

highlandjewelers.com

THIRD PLACE

James & Sons Fine Jewelers

112 Indianapolis Blvd.

Schererville

219-864-9090

jamesandsons.com

2142 U.S. Hwy. 41

Schererville

219-227-8520

dekkerlighting.com

Dekker Lighting has provided Northwest Indiana lighting needs for more than 50 years. 

At the Schererville showroom, you can find lights for hanging, ceilings, pendants, outdoors, walls and so much more.

Expert employees offer customers the inspiration and knowledge to give any part of their home character. Dekker has established itself as a top lighting store that will help you decorate, remodel or build.

SECOND PLACE

Menards

Multiple locations

menards.com

THIRD PLACE

North Coast Lighting

3152 W. Morthland Drive

Valparaiso

219-947-4789

northcoastlighting.net

Cedar Lake

219-374-7495

holidayliquorscedarlake.com

Holiday Liquors has been serving Cedar Lake and surrounding communities since the 1960s. As a family run business, the busy store offers a huge selection of wine, liquor, spirits, mixers, seltzers and more. Holiday Liquors also is known for its craft beer and locally made liquor selections.

Holiday Liquors has expanded its services to include  special orders, keg rentals and custom wine labels.

Owner Brian Kubal has found success over the years by prioritizing customer and employee happiness and keeping an active role in the community.

Holiday “supports different events in town," Kubal says. "In June, we do a customer appreciation day where we give out free bratwurst, homemade root beer and just have a good old time."

SECOND PLACE

Wise Guys Liquors

Multiple Locations

wiseguysliquors.com

THIRD PLACE

Nick’s Liquors

Multiple locations

nicksliquors.com

208 Matteson St.

Dyer

219-213-2699

1510 N. Main St.

Crown Point

219-213-2699

Groensfinefurniture.com

Groen’s Fine Furniture also was voted Best Furniture Store.

SECOND PLACE

DeYoung Interiors

8365 Wicker Ave.

St. John

219-365-8362

410 E. U.S. Hwy. 30

Schererville

219-209-9866

Deyounginteriors.com

THIRD PLACE

Fusion Home Furnishings

205 E. Commercial Ave.

Lowell

219-696-0213

Fusionhomefurnishings.com

Lowell

219-696-6054

www.ruffntuffshop.com

Ruff N Tuff Country Store also was voted Best Department Store.

SECOND PLACE

Zandstra’s Store for Men

2627 Highway Ave.

Highland

219-923-3545

Zandstras.com

THIRD PLACE

John Cicco’s Menswear

8250 Mississippi St.

Merrillville

219-769-1744

Johnciccosonline.com

Bosakauto.com

While Theresa Bosak  admits that it sounds cliché’, she said that the auto group founded by her grandfather in 1926 is based on customer service, and the customers have responded, voting the group Best of the Region.

“Not to sound corny, but we have great staff members and team members,” said Bosak, vice president and chief marketing officer. “That’s what it’s about. It’s not so much about profit as it is helping customers find a major purchase in their life.

“Houses and cars are pretty big deals. What we really try for is to have a process that is consistent with all of our stores and to help people.”

Bosak said that the business is not perfect but when it slips up, it tries to rectify the situation quickly.

The group is 99 years old with a huge anniversary coming up next year.

“We have no plans to celebrate just yet,” Bosak said. “We’re still celebrating our 99th year.”

SECOND PLACE (TIE)

Webb Hyundai

9236 Indianapolis Blvd.

Highland

219-300-5262

Webbhyundai.com

1000 81st Ave.

Merrillville

219-249-4961

hyundaimerrillville.com

Genesis of Merrillville

1000 81st Ave., Suite 100

Merrillville

219-249-5657

Genesisofmerrillville.com

THIRD PLACE

Southlake Auto Group

Multiple locations

Southlake-autogroup.com