Oxford Eyes brings style, and expertise, to Ivanhoe Row with their fabulous selection of eyewear.
Winner: Best Place to Buy Glasses | Oxford Eyes
Orlando’s eyewear scene has no shortage of options, Oxford Eyes wins big as the Best Place to Buy Glasses in the 2026 Best of ORL awards, recognizing the Ivanhoe Village boutique for its distinctive approach to eyewear, personalized service and commitment to independent brands.
Founded in 2018 by Verbelee Nielsen-Swanson, Oxford Eyes has built a reputation as more than just an optical shop. The locally owned business was created around the belief that eyewear should be an extension of a person’s style and personality rather than simply a medical necessity. That philosophy has resonated with customers throughout Central Florida and helped establish the boutique as a recurring favorite among Orlando magazine readers.
Located in the heart of Ivanhoe Village, Oxford Eyes specializes in curated collections from independent eyewear designers around the world. The shop offers a selection that ranges from classic and understated frames to bold, artistic styles that are difficult to find in traditional optical chains. Brands carried by the boutique include LINDBERG, Anne et Valentin, FACE A FACE, Tom Ford, Porsche Design, Maui Jim and many others.
Oxford Eyes brings style, and expertise, to Ivanhoe Row with their fabulous selection of eyewear.
The store’s appeal extends beyond its frame selection. Oxford Eyes has positioned itself as a concierge-style eyewear destination, pairing clients with licensed opticians who provide one-on-one styling consultations and guidance on lens technology, fit and comfort. The team collectively brings more than 80 years of optical industry experience, helping customers navigate everything from prescription lenses and sunglasses to children’s eyewear and specialty sports frames.
A state-of-the-art onsite finishing lab allows many adjustments, repairs and lens services to be completed quickly, enhancing the customer experience and reducing wait times. The boutique also offers comprehensive eye health exams, contact lenses and customized lens options tailored to individual lifestyles and visual needs.
Community engagement has also been a hallmark of the business. Oxford Eyes regularly supports local nonprofit organizations and environmental initiatives, while maintaining strong ties to Orlando’s arts and cultural community. The company emphasizes sustainability through practices such as paperless transactions, recycling and charitable donations of used eyewear.
The 2026 Best of ORL victory adds another accolade to Oxford Eyes’ growing list of honors. The boutique has been recognized repeatedly in Orlando magazine’s annual readers’ poll, reflecting a loyal customer base and a reputation for exceptional service.
For locals seeking eyewear that blends fashion, craftsmanship and expert care, Oxford Eyes continues to demonstrate why it remains one of the city’s most celebrated optical destinations.
There is no shortage of items to browse inside Yay! It’s hard to leave empty-handed.
Winner: Gift Shop | Yay! Tiny Shop
One of Orlando’s smallest retail spaces has earned one of the area’s biggest honors.
Yay! Tiny Shop, the whimsical gift boutique located along Ivanhoe Row, has been voted Best Gift Shop in Orlando magazine’s 2026 Best of ORL awards, a recognition that owner Stacy Coon says means the world to her and the small business she has spent years building.
Known for its carefully curated selection of gifts, quirky finds and joyful atmosphere, Yay! Tiny Shop has become a favorite destination for shoppers seeking something unique. While the store’s footprint may be small, its impact on the local shopping scene continues to grow.
“We provide a fun and unique shopping experience,” Coon said. “It is a space we hope sparks joy and leaves you saying YAY!”
The shop’s distinctive size is part of its appeal.
“Our size sets us apart from others in our category and although the shop is small it is a tiny treasure box,” Coon said.
That treasure-box approach has resonated with customers across Central Florida. As the business approaches its eighth anniversary, Coon says one of the biggest accomplishments of the past year has been managing the store’s rapid growth.
“Our biggest accomplishment this year has been keeping up with tremendous growth,” she said.
Success has not come without challenges. Like many independent retailers, Yay! Tiny Shop has faced obstacles throughout its journey, from sourcing merchandise to adapting to changing market conditions.
“There have been many challenges over the years to get us where we are today but learning to pivot and adapt is what owning a business is all about,” Coon said.
Despite its modest square footage, operating the store requires a significant investment of time and effort.
“Despite the small size of the shop it requires an incredible amount of time to source and curate the space,” she said.
The Best of ORL recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the community the shop serves.
There is no shortage of items to browse inside Yay! It’s hard to leave empty-handed.
“Being recognized by the community is the absolute best reward for the hard work that goes in to running a small business,” Coon said. “Orlando has embraced our tiny shop with open arms and we are so grateful for everyone who has supported us.”
That support continues to motivate the team behind the business.
“Honestly, the positive feedback from our customers and wanting to provide a whimsical place to shop keeps us motivated,” Coon said.
As Yay! Tiny Shop prepares to celebrate its eighth anniversary, customers can expect the same playful spirit that has defined the store since day one. Coon hinted that a celebration is already in the works.
“Right now we are most proud to be approaching our 8 year anniversary,” she said. “We always host a fun party to celebrate so stay tuned.”
For first-time visitors, Coon encourages shoppers to explore more than just her award-winning store.
“New customers at YAY! should absolutely experience the entire Row,” she said. “Ivanhoe Row is filled with extraordinary small businesses each with their own charm.”
With a loyal customer base, a growing reputation and now a Best of ORL title to its name, Yay! Tiny Shop continues to prove that great things really do come in small packages.
Publisher’s Note: I buy all my stocking stuffers from Yay! Tiny Shop. It’s hard not to buy everything.
