The Country Club Plaza has never been just a place to shop. For more than a century, the outdoor mall has been the heartbeat of this community — a place to gather, celebrate and experience Kansas City.
I saw this reality more than 20 years ago when I first purchased the Scandia Down store on the Plaza. At the time, it was a shop focused primarily on high-quality European bedding and down — a Plaza tenant since 1982.
Being European-born, I fell in love with the Plaza and its authenticity instantly. After a few renovations, enhancements and expansions to our product offerings, a change to the store name (to Terrasi Living and Scandia Home) and immersing ourselves in this beautiful community, we’ve thrived ever since.
I’ve now been in business for over 23 years and have learned that two things can be true at once. This is especially the case in today’s business environment.
We must evolve to stay relevant by following current trends, understanding consumer needs and expanding the shopping experience.
At the same time, it is good business to embrace traditions that customers hold dear.
This is similar to beloved European cities that honor and embrace their historic past while also innovating and modernizing to stay relevant to new generations.
The new vision for Country Club Plaza strikes the right balance.
When Gillon Property Group purchased the property in July 2024, its goal was to bring the “jewel of Kansas City” back to its former glory.
You do not have to look very far to see evidence that modern-day consumer behavior leaves behind shopping districts that rely primarily on brick-and-mortar retail.
Today’s most successful districts blend shopping with dining, culture, events and public spaces. That is the direction the Plaza is actively moving toward, and I could not be more excited about it.
Excitement of local artists, World Cup
In the past year, the Plaza has been alive with events for the community to enjoy. There has been a flurry of activity to continue the ongoing renovations and upkeep that the 100-year-old infrastructure constantly requires: scrubbing, painting, planting, new sidewalks, garage enhancements, fountain upkeep and, at the same time, a major evaluation of every nook and cranny.
Plaza leadership also recognizes that tradition is important to the Kansas City community. The Plaza Art Fair and Plaza lighting ceremony have been, and continue to be, highly anticipated events that draw thousands to the area.
Adding more events like these — such as seasonal markets, shopping strolls, installations highlighting valued area institutions, hosting local artists in stores and more — has created excitement while allowing the Plaza’s retailers and restaurants to shine.
And wait until you see what the Plaza and individual retailers have in store as we welcome the world next month for the World Cup.
