[2023 GUIDE] The Best Places for Shopping in Kansas City

Shopping in Kansas City offers some of the best retail experiences in the Midwest. It offers a wide variety of high-quality boutiques, gift shops, and homewares outlets. From name brands to independent designers, shoppers can find something to suit their tastes. No matter if you’re more interested in restaurants, nightlife venues, or outdoorsy offerings, you should still set aside some time to explore the shopping landscape of Kansas City. 

The city and its surrounding suburbs boast a range of malls, villages, and strip malls. Whether looking for the latest fashion trends or unique gifts, you won’t be disappointed with Kansas City’s selection.

The Best Places to Go Shopping in Kansas City

1. COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA

The Country Club Plaza in Kansas City is a one-of-a-kind destination filled with Spanish architecture and red tile roofs. It is one of the nation’s earliest outdoor shopping districts, covering 1 million square feet. The district recently renovated and featured the beloved J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain. In addition, there are multiple smaller fountains throughout the 15-block area.

Today, the Country Club Plaza is home to over 150 shops and restaurants. Popular brands such as Anthropologie and The North Face have stores here, while local favorites include Panache Chocolatier & Cafe and Rally House Kansas City. A variety of restaurants offer everything from upscale bar food to hearty breakfasts, patio dining, and premium steaks.

The Country Club Plaza is recommended for some of the best shopping in Kansas City as it offers premium shopping and dining experiences without the cost of plane fare. Visitors can experience the beauty of its Spanish village setting, making it an unforgettable destination.

2. ZONA ROSA

Located near Kansas City International Airport, Zona Rosa is a popular Northland shopping area that attracts visitors and locals. It is home to many brand-name stores, such as Chico’s and Marshall’s Home Goods, and various restaurants catering to different tastes. Swagat Fine Indian Cuisine, Abuelo’s Mexican Food Restaurant, Chinese food, and pizza are just some options.

The area is highly walkable, with wide sidewalks, grassy areas, and plenty of free parking. Patio umbrellas and park benches add to the ambiance, giving it an old-fashioned downtown feel. Visitors can shop for children’s clothes, women’s accessories, books, and more. The Kansas City Improv Comedy Club and Dinner Theatre is also a great place to enjoy some entertainment.

Additionally, Zona Rosa is recommended as one of the best shopping in Kansas City due to the variety of available well-being services, such as yoga, massage, waxing, and nail services. No matter when you visit, Zona Rosa is always laid-back and full of possibilities.

3. TOWN CENTER PLAZA & TOWN CENTER CROSSING

Town Center Plaza is a great shopping destination located just minutes away from Interstate 435. With plenty of parking and easy access to multiple shops and restaurants, it offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends from White House | Black Market and American Eagle Outfitters or high-end home essentials from Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware, you’ll find them here. You can also pick up a new novel at Barnes & Noble or a new computer at the Apple store.

When it comes to food, you won’t be disappointed either. Town Center Plaza offers a variety of options, from Italian cuisine to steak, to a dessert-focused eatery. There’s also a shop dedicated to gamers and a 20-screen movie theater, including an IMAX theater. Despite many people, there is still plenty of room to move around while you shop. That’s why Town Center Plaza is recommended as one of the best shopping spots in Kansas City – with its fresh air, wide open surroundings, and dozens of retail and restaurant choices, it’s a delightful outdoor shopping district.

4. CROWN CENTER

Crown Center has been operating for over 40 years and is one of the most well-known shopping centers in Kansas City. It features over 60 shops and restaurants from a light-filled three-story atrium. Here, shoppers can sample more than 40 flavors of fudge crafted in copper kettles at Chip’s Chocolate Factory, purchase brightly colored art supplies from Crayola Kansas City, or find the latest kitchen gadgets inside home-grown Function Junction. 

Crown Center also offers various entertainment activities. Visitors can watch a movie on the third floor, enjoy a live theater or visit the Ice Terrace. For those who want to sit down and dine, Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant serves train-delivered burgers and fries, while d’Bronx provides classic deli fare and pizza.

Crown Center is recommended for some of the best shopping in Kansas City because it combines the excitement of a bustling urban neighborhood with the comfort and convenience of a suburban shopping mall. There is also a store devoted to premium pens and leather goods and another shop offering home décor and gifts for Christmas or other holidays. With so many activities and options, Crown Center promises shopping, dining, and entertainment hours.

5. BROOKSIDE

Brookside is one of Kansas City’s favorite suburban shopping areas, having been built and planned in the 1920s. Its leafy trees, broad sidewalks, and independently owned businesses characterize it. 

Canine fur babies will love the treats from Brookside Barkery and Bath, while women of all ages can find eclectic fashions and jewelry at Shopgirls. Home décor and gifts from other cultures can be found at the World’s Window, while The New Dime Store has old-school toys such as the Slinky. Brookside Toy & Science carries microscopes and much more, and 5B&Co. Candlemakers has a dizzying array of hand-poured and highly-fragranced candles. 

In addition, the neighborhood hosts several galleries and restaurants. Hungry shoppers can enjoy handcrafted pizza at Blue Grotto, bar food and brews at Charlie Hooper’s Bar & Grille, or ridiculously decadent treats at Foo’s Fabulous Frozen Custard.

Brookside is highly recommended as one of the best shopping destinations,s as it only improves with age.

6. CITY MARKET

The City Market in Kansas City, Missouri, is known for its large farmer’s market. It has been an active commercial hub in the historic River Market area since 1857. At the market, shoppers can purchase fresh produce, herbs, meat, dairy, bedding plants, gift items, Italian staples, Brazilian or Middle Eastern cuisine ingredients, housewares, kitchenware, Mexican silver, African art, and jewelry.

The City Market experience is further enriched by the Arabia Steamboat Museum, also located nearby. The atmosphere at the market is festive during the peak produce season. Open seven days a week, year-round, and the Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday and Sunday, the City Market is highly recommended for Best Shopping.

7. OAK PARK MALL

Oak Park Mall is the largest indoor shopping mall in Kansas City and the entire state of Kansas. It spans more than 1.5 million square feet and underwent extensive renovations five years ago, giving it a modern, streamlined look. The mall has four department store anchors: J.C. Penney’s, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Dillard’s. Additionally, it has a massive food court, and dozens of smaller stores stretched across two sprawling levels. 

Oak Park Mall also houses exclusive local outlets for Abercrombie & Fitch and Abercrombie kids. Kids will enjoy the American Girl, Disney, and LEGO stores. For the tech-savvy, the mall has the 20th Microsoft Store to open in the world. Shoppers can find everything from fashion and jewelry to books and natural cosmetics.

Due to its vast selection of stores, restaurants, and ample parking, Oak Park Mall is a popular shopping destination and has been recommended as one of the best shopping in Kansas City. 

8. CROSSROADS ARTS DISTRICT

The Crossroads Arts District is a vibrant and creative area in Kansas City. It is home to many galleries and studios that showcase the work of local artists. You can find handcrafted ceramics, oil paintings, jewelry, and more. Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolates is a great spot for gourmet confections, while Hammerpress offers paper goods with an old-fashioned press. Birdie’s is a favorite destination for specialty lingerie and swimsuits, and RAYGUN, LLC sells city-centric clothing and gifts. High-end furnishings are available at Black Bamboo and High Cotton, and Bob Jones Shoes offers a wide selection of unique shoes. Elements of Green specializes in environmentally friendly flooring and countertops.

In between shopping, visitors can take a break at one of the many locally-owned restaurants in the area. Options range from Mexican, Thai, Germanic, and Italian cuisine to steakhouses and burger joints.

The Crossroads Arts District is recommended for some of the best shopping in Kansas City because it is a great place to experience Kansas City’s creative community.

9. PARK PLACE

This area of Greater Kansas City is home to Park Place, a unique shopping district that offers something for almost everyone. You’ll find upscale housing, hotel rooms, and new office space intermingling with distinctive retail shops. TallulahBelle offers handcrafted accessories from around the world, while Alysa Rene Boutique stocks designer brands. Etiquette Boutique and Geno Men’s Clothier have plenty of adult fashion, and luxury sunglasses and stylish bridesmaid dresses can be found as well. Pet owners can find everything they need for their furry friends. Kids can explore the stunning aquarium gallery inside Picasso Exotics Aquatics or find timeless toys at the Learning Tree store. 

In addition to shopping, this district offers plenty of options for dining and pampering. Healthy, made-to-order juices and freshly prepared sushi are just a few options. You can also enjoy a spa treatment or manicure or join a wine-fueled painting class. Park Place is small enough to feel cozy yet has a decidedly urban feel in the heart of Greater Kansas City’s most affluent county. That’s why it’s one of the area’s best shopping spots.

10. LEGENDS OUTLETS KANSAS CITY

Legends Outlets is the area’s only designer outlet center, offering a great selection of name-brand stores, local favorites, and quality merchandise at discounted prices. Some notable stores include Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, J. Crew | Crewcuts, F21 Red (Forever 21), Nike Factory Store, and Kitchen Collection. Books-A-Million (Bam!) also stocks bargain books, cards, and gifts, while Kay Jewelers Outlet offers gorgeous accessories. 

The newest addition to the center is Made in Kansas City, which opened on November 17, 2016. This fourth location showcases more than 100 local artists, ‘makers,’ and designers. Not only does Legends Outlets provide a great shopping experience, it is also close to the NASCAR Kansas Speedway and other popular entertainment venues. Furthermore, the center hosts national restaurants and local favorites such as Arthur Bryant’s legendary Barbecue and Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen.

Legends Outlets is recommended for Best Shopping as customers can purchase top-quality clothing and other essentials without breaking the bank. The website also lists in-store sales and promotions. Shop ’til you drop!

12. Overland Park Farmers Market

The Overland Park Farmers’ Market has been delighting fresh food lovers for over 30 years. Operating twice a week, this open-air marketplace offers an incredible selection of farm-to-table produce from regional farmers and growers. With over 80 vendors setting up stalls, the market features various seasonal goods. 

Musical performances, lively giveaways, and live cooking demonstrations are also available to add to the market’s appeal. Whether you’re looking to buy ingredients to make a delicious meal or just take in the atmosphere, the Overland Park Farmers’ Market is the perfect destination.