Peek inside: Made in KC Marketplace offers a glimpse of its new Plaza store (Photos)
July 3, 2018 | Tommy Felts
Amid the bustle of traffic and construction in one of Kansas City’s most dominant shopping destinations, the Made in KC Marketplace has quietly been taking shape on the Country Club Plaza.
Made in KC co-owners Keith Bradley, Thomas McIntyre and Tyler Enders
The retailer — which specializes in showcasing wares crafted by local makers — opened the doors of its new location with little fanfare this week, allowing customers a first glimpse of the 8,000-square-foot space while the business works out any kinks in its processes, Made in KC co-founder Tyler Ender said Tuesday.
Mixing market-style retail with a food hall concept, the Plaza store highlights such apparel and lifestyle brands as Ampersand, SewKC, MADE Urban Apparel, Wonder Boy and Sandlot Goods. Food vendors — including such specialties as ice cream and crepes — are expected to debut in the coming weeks.
“Our hope is that this marketplace becomes the No. 1 destination on the Plaza,” Enders told Startland previously. “And we hope that when people are meeting — whether its their in-laws or friends from out of town — that there’s a reason for everyone to come here and it’ll truly showcase the city.”
A coffee shop — styled after the successful downtown Made in KC Cafe concept — as well as a taproom serving all-local beer, are set to join the store’s attractions in mid-July when Made in KC Marketplace plays host to its grand opening. (A date is set to be released soon on social media.)
The company’s other newest ventures — the downtown cafe, a retail store in the Crossroads, and a Creative Studios space — join Made in KC locations at Briarcliff, Corinth Mall and Prairie Fire, as well as within area Hallmark stores. Made in Kansas City Marketplace will serve as a showpiece, Enders said, providing a unique link between the brand, hometown shoppers and visitors.
Made in KC was named one of Startland’s Top Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2018.
Tommy Felts
Tommy is editor-in-chief for Startland News, a Kansas City-based nonprofit newsroom that uses storytelling to elevate the region’s startup community of entrepreneurs, innovators, hustlers, creatives and risk-takers.
Under Tommy’s leadership, Startland News has expanded its coverage from a primarily high-tech, high-growth focus to a more wide-ranging and inclusive look at the faces of entrepreneurism, innovation and business.
Before joining Startland News in 2017, Tommy worked for 12 years as an award-winning newspaper journalist, designer, editor and publisher. He was named one of Editor & Publisher magazine’s top “25 Under 35” in 2014.
