Rediscovering Dallas: Top Shops & Services from 2007

Step back in time to 2007 and explore some of Dallas’s most celebrated local businesses, as highlighted by the Dallas Observer. From quirky boutiques to essential services, this look back offers a glimpse into the diverse offerings that shaped the city’s retail and service landscape over a decade ago, showcasing enduring favorites and unique spots.

Home & Lifestyle Essentials

When it came to furnishing a first home, IKEA was unmatched for its “cheap” yet extensive inventory, allowing new homeowners to outfit every room without breaking the bank. For those seeking more refined, modern aesthetics, West Elm at Mockingbird Station brought clean lines and affordable style, pioneering mid-century modern luxury in Dallas. If vintage was your vibe, Pop Logic on Lower Greenville made a strong “Mid-Century Comeback,” brimming with Eisenhower-era furniture and nostalgic gift items. To add natural accents, Napa Home offered unique home decor crafted from organic materials like seashells and fossils, inspiring homeowners to bring the outdoors in.

For everyday needs, Elliot’s Hardware remained the go-to for expert advice and finding that elusive “thingy” for home repairs, boasting unparalleled customer service over big-box competitors. Meanwhile, Fiesta stood out as the “Best Unfancy Grocery Store,” a vibrant, international market where affordability met diverse ethnic ingredients, offering a true taste of Mexico in Oak Cliff at Fruteria Cano, dubbed the “Best Juiceteria.”

Fashion, Beauty & Personal Care

Dallas’s fashion scene in 2007 catered to a wide array of styles. For men, REI was lauded as the “Best Men’s Clothing Store” for its comfortable, casual outdoor wear from brands like Columbia and North Face. If a dressier look was needed without breaking the bank, Billy Reid offered tailored shirts and leather boots in a unique boutique setting. For women, LFT (Lifestyle Fashion Terminal) in Victory Park was the spot for “hip denim” and designer jeans, while Pitaya in Uptown offered “Best Style Steals” with trendy, affordable clothing and accessories. Families found their stride at Old Navy, celebrated for its wide selection and great prices on “Best Kids’ Clothing.”

Keeping up appearances was easy with top-notch beauty and grooming services. Mustang Barber Shop provided a classic, manly barbershop experience, a welcome escape from unisex salons. For women seeking expert color and cuts, Richard Hayler Colour Salon offered posh professionalism without pretension. And for those looking to “Wig Out,” Wig Paradise in Wynnewood Village stood out for its extensive selection and attentive staff who could cut, trim, and style wigs on the spot. Even swimwear shopping became enjoyable at Everything But Water, offering a vast selection to flatter every figure, making it the “Best Breast Lift” in its own right.

Entertainment & Hobbies

Music lovers flocked to Good Records, far more than just a “CD store.” It was a community hub for music geeks, hosting acclaimed local and national bands for in-store performances. Comic enthusiasts found their haven at Titan Comics, a nationally recognized store praised for its carefully curated collection of new titles and back issues, as well as unique comic-related art. For the young and young-at-heart, Puzzle Zoo at NorthPark Center offered a vast array of toys, from Star Wars action figures to educational games, making it the “Best Toy Store, Says Our 4-Year-Old.”

Even in the nascent era of digital streaming, Premiere Video stood strong as the “Best Video Store,” boasting an unparalleled selection of movies and British TV series. Those looking for a creative outlet could find their “Crafty Escape” at Splendor in the Grass, a Lakewood nook offering therapeutic beading and jewelry-making classes. For outdoorsy types, Tailwaters Fly Fishing brought a slice of Montana to Dallas, offering equipment, advice, and trip planning for anglers.

Unique Finds & Niche Services

Dallas in 2007 was also home to a fascinating array of specialized businesses. The Whimsey Shoppe on Henderson and Oak Lawn Avenues was a treasure trove of “Best Used Junque,” specializing in French antiques sourced directly by its owners from the European countryside. For those needing a gift that truly stood out, House of Dang offered “Best Prezzies” – affordable, quirky, handmade, and often locally produced items from vintage coin purses to monster-faced pillows. The city also had its share of intriguing and practical services, such as Adam the Answer Man for “Best Appliance Repair Advice” and Joe Smith, the “Best Personal Injury Attorney,” known for his trustworthy and comforting approach during stressful times.

For animal lovers, Rabbit Hill Farm supplied “Best Poop & Worms” (specifically, organic rabbit manure and worm castings) for environment-conscious gardeners. And for pets themselves, East Lake Veterinary Hospital offered top-tier care for “Overprotective Pet Parents,” while Toothacres Pet Care Center provided spacious and versatile boarding for “Best Animal House.” For those with more unconventional needs, Leather Masters was the “Best Fetish Gear” purveyor, offering a wide selection of bondage and S&M paraphernalia, and Talulah Belle served as the “Best Hanky-Panky Purveyor,” a charming boutique for lingerie and gifts in Lakewood.

Highlights from Dallas’s Diverse Retail Scene

FAQs about Dallas Shopping & Services in 2007

• What was considered the best place to buy a computer?
  The Apple Store on Knox Street was recognized for its simple, cool products, excellent service, and appealing aesthetic.
• Where could you find unique French antiques?
  The Whimsey Shoppe, with its two large locations, specialized in antiques and collectibles from the French countryside, making it the “Best Used Junque” destination.
• What was the recommended store for affordable trendy women’s clothing in Uptown?
  Pitaya was lauded as the “Best Style Steals” in Uptown, offering stylish purses, jewelry, and basics at reasonable prices, reminiscent of H&M.
• Who was the go-to for planning retirement or managing investments?
  James Lehman, CRPC, was considered the “Best Money Man,” known for his ability to explain complex financial planning in layman’s terms and help clients set future goals.
• Where could one get a memorable pedicure with extra perks?
  Hollywood Nails & Spa was named “Best Place to Get Nailed,” offering not just great pedicures but also foot massages, salt scrubs, hot towel wraps, massage chairs, and even wine or beer.

As we reflect on Dallas’s vibrant retail and service scene from 2007, it’s clear that the city offered a rich tapestry of options, from essential shops to unique boutiques and specialized services. Many of these businesses left a lasting mark, reminding us that quality, community, and a touch of local flair continue to define the Dallas shopping and service experience.

Dallas Top Shops and Services Two Thousand Seven