Blake’s Guide to Shopping Local in Kansas City
Kansas City is gifted with a plentiful supply of locally-owned businesses and restaurants. Whether I’m picking up a quick cup of coffee in the morning or if I’m on the hunt for the perfect gift for a friend or family member, I can always count on some local favorites to have just what I need. Here are a few of my favorite local places to patronize. Do you have one to add to the list? Leave a comment or send me a message, I welcome your feedback and hearing about YOUR favorite places to shop local in Kansas City!
Halls in Crown Center
Looking to update your personal style? Look no further than Halls on the third floor of Crown Center in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri. Since 1916, Halls has been a one-stop-shop for luxury designs from clothing to furniture. They also boast a one-of-a-kind Wedding Registry for those tying the knot. Halls Style Experts are also available to help assist shoppers looking for certain items or styles.
You Say Tomato
Those hungry for homegrown goodness can find it right in Midtown KC at You Say Tomato. This cross between a diner and a dive features an unbeatable weekend brunch in addition to their pantry staples available for pre-order and pickup. The restaurant’s website is updated almost daily with what they’re making fresh in-house. The owners are open to requests for those looking for something special and their inclusive menu features fresh gluten-free, and vegan options for those with dietary restrictions.
Upper Crust
Established in 2015, Upper Crust Pie Bakery is the best stop for a slice (or more) of pie. Opened by two sisters with the help of their mother, this Midwestern duo created Upper Crust to share what real pie looks and tastes like. In addition to delicious pie slices, this Downtown Overland Park bakery sells mini pies, full-size pies, cookies, and other pastries. The Upper Crust building also houses a home and supply store named Home-Slice. Home-Slice offers curated goods for everyday living, a perfect place to pick up a house-warming gift.
McLain’s Bakery + Market
For 75 years, McLain’s Bakery + Market has been a staple in the Waldo area. Since then, they have also expanded operations into both Overland Park and Shawnee as well! With an extensive menu of breakfast bites and lunch options, this comfy spot provides the perfect atmosphere for a slow morning start or lunch with friends or family. This family-owned eatery also doubles as a bakery offering beautiful cakes for any occasion. From a smash cake for a one-year-old’s birthday party to a tiered wedding cake, McLain’s cake department can help create a custom design to fit your celebration. If you’re just stopping by for a hot cup of coffee, we recommend adding a famous cupcookie to your order to sweeten things up!
Gregory’s Fine Floral
Nothing can brighten a room quite like a vase full of fresh flowers. My favorite place to pick up a bouquet for any occasion is Gregory’s Fine Floral in Prairie Village, Kansas. Gregory’s offers online ordering and delivery services making for easy gift-giving. Owner Gregory Banken, a 30-year veteran of the flower industry, offers unmatched customer services and exquisite custom floral arrangements. Banken himself specializes in event work and can create unforgettable arrangements for your next party, weddings, or bereavement gathering. Even if you’re looking for a quick arrangement to say “Congratulations,” you’ll be able to find something both you and the recipient will love at Gregory’s Fine Floral.
Underdog Wine Co.
It’s hard not to root for the underdog, and Underdog Wine Co. in Crestwood is no exception! Family-owned and created in small batches, Underdog is constantly cycling through seasonal favorites. The Wine Club is a perfect give to any wine lover and includes two bottles of wine monthly accompanied by detailed tasting notes and the wines’ backstories. The private tasting room is the perfect place to gather friends, family, clients, or colleagues for a small event. Underdog even allows outside food or will coordinate food for you when booking the tasting room for a private room. Be sure to follow their social media where you can stay up-to-date on their wine #pickoftheweek!
Lauren Alexandra
Named after her two daughters, Lauren and Alexandra, Pamela DiCapo’s kids and baby boutique located in Brookside is sure to carry anything a parent or child could ever need or want. The Lauren Alexandra boutique is constantly bringing in new arrivals of baby and children’s clothing, nursery supplies, decor, books, plushies, toys, and diaper bags. Those who are expecting can take advantage of their registry service and the boutique’s exclusive nursery interior decorating service. If you have a baby shower to attend in your future, I highly suggest a stop at Lauren Alexandra to find something unique! And be sure to stop next door at their home decor store, Jorgy while you are at it.
Nell Hill’s
Located in Briarcliff Village in North Kansas City, Nell Hill’s offers some of the most sought after home decor, furniture, and design services in the Midwest and beyond. Browsing their 18,000 square-foot showroom can leave you imagining your new space in a matter of minutes. Nell Hill’s also boasts an impressive team of designers willing to work with you to create the space you’ve always dreamed of. The team is constantly updating their showroom to give you a real feel of what a room in your desired style will look like. Whether it’s a unique decoration or a custom piece of furniture, if you’re looking for an interior addition, Nell Hill’s is a must-visit.
Wild Birds Unlimited
Wild Birds Unlimited in Town Center is a true birdwatcher’s dream. Locally owned and operated by nature enthusiasts, Wild Bird Unlimited keeps my best-kept secret hobby alive with top quality bird seed and accessories. Their Daily Savings Club is worth the membership for those who like to keep their feeders stocked year-round. Their knowledgeable and friendly staff can help any enthusiast looking to get into a new bird-watching hobby. They’ll be able to show you birdhouses and feeders in addition to helpful advice on how to deter squirrels and other critters from stealing bird seed.
Treats Unleashed
You can’t leave out the four-legged family members when it comes to shopping local! Treats Unleashed in Leawood, Kansas can keep your pet pampered with fresh-baked treats, all-natural pet food, toys, bedding, and grooming supplies. For new pet owners, Treats Unleashed offers a helpful free pet food consultation to assist in finding a good fit for your pet’s nutritional needs. In the never-ending battle for keeping your pet clean, they also offer pet grooming and self-wash stations for the do-it-yourselfer. For some of my furry friends located in other states, I take advantage of their shippable gift boxes.
Pryde’s Kitchen and Necessities
Pryde’s Kitchen and Necessities, located in Westport, is every foodie’s paradise. Taking a stroll through their floor to ceiling aisles, you’ll find an array of culinary tools, dinnerware, cutlery, cookware, and more. Founded in 1968, Pryde’s remains a landmark of the gourmet movement and the ultimate location for completing your kitchen with all the necessary tools. They also offer gift registries and complimentary gift wrapping and delivery. It wouldn’t be a complete trip without a stop at Ashleigh’s Bake Shop for a sweet treat located on the bottom floor of Pryde’s. The self-proclaimed “hardware store for cooks” will help you find all the utensils needed to complete any recipe, and their friendly staff will help you find anything you need.
