Kansas City, MO, January 8, 2026
The Country Club Plaza in Kansas City is experiencing significant changes with notable business departures, including Madewell, which will close its location at 309 Nichols Road by January 2026. This shift reflects a larger trend in the retail landscape and a strategic realignment by the Plaza’s new owners, Highland Park Village Partners. They plan to invest $100 million into revitalizing the area, emphasizing local retailers and enhanced infrastructure to attract new businesses while addressing a rising vacancy rate.
Kansas City, MO – The retail landscape of Kansas City’s iconic Country Club Plaza is undergoing a notable transformation, marked by a series of departures that signal a strategic recalibration for the historic district. Among the recent businesses to announce their exit is Madewell, a popular clothing retailer, which is set to close its doors at 309 Nichols Road around January 20, 2026. This move, while a visible change for shoppers, aligns with a broader pattern of evolving retail strategies and renewed investment in the Plaza’s future.
Kansas City, MO, has long been a hub of entrepreneurial spirit and business resilience, with local leaders and innovators consistently adapting to market shifts. The ongoing changes at the Country Club Plaza present both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the dynamic nature of urban commerce. As businesses make strategic decisions, the focus remains on fostering an environment where innovation can thrive, and private investment can pave the way for a revitalized economic future for the area.
The vibrancy of any commercial district is a reflection of its ability to attract and retain businesses, and the Plaza’s evolution underscores the importance of a responsive marketplace. While the departure of established brands like Madewell prompts reflection, it also opens avenues for new ventures and innovative retail concepts, potentially benefiting from an environment where agility and fresh ideas are prioritized. The underlying strength of Kansas City’s small business ecosystem and its commitment to economic growth continue to be crucial in navigating these transitions.
Madewell’s Departure and the Shifting Retail Climate
Madewell, a contemporary denim brand that first opened its Country Club Plaza location in mid-2015, will conclude its presence at 309 Nichols Road in January 2026. However, the brand’s Leawood store in Town Center Plaza will continue to operate, indicating a strategic consolidation rather than a complete withdrawal from the Kansas City metropolitan area. This closure joins a list of other retailers that have recently exited the Plaza, reflecting broader industry trends and the changing preferences of consumers.
A Series of Strategic Departures on the Plaza
Madewell’s exit is part of a larger trend of businesses leaving the Country Club Plaza. In recent months and years, several retail and dining establishments have closed their Plaza locations. Nickel & Suede, a locally owned accessories store, recently concluded its operations on the Plaza. Claire’s, a national chain, also closed its Plaza store in April 2025, after having been open since 2023. Other notable retail departures between 2024 and 2025 include Parachute, Express, Forever 21, Kindred, Soft Surroundings, and Casper. Additionally, Evereve, a women’s clothing store, closed its Plaza location in December 2024 after ten years, reportedly due to its lease not being renewed by the new ownership.
The restaurant sector has also seen changes, with Seasons 52, Starbucks, Razzleberry, and Amy’s Hallmark shop no longer operating on the Plaza. Brio Italian Grille, a significant corner restaurant that had been on the Plaza for 20 years, closed in early 2025. Its parent company had filed for bankruptcy in 2020. These closures have led to a noticeable increase in vacant storefronts; in May 2025, nearly one-third of the Plaza’s 156 available retail locations were empty, a higher vacancy rate than experienced during the pandemic.
New Ownership’s Vision for Revitalization
The Country Club Plaza was acquired by Dallas-based Highland Park Village Partners, now operating as The Village Collection, in July 2024. The new ownership has outlined a comprehensive plan to revitalize the district, involving a significant investment of approximately $100 million in renovations and improvements. This strategy, termed “addition through subtraction,” includes allowing certain tenants to leave or relocate to facilitate these planned enhancements.
The Village Collection aims to restore the Plaza’s status as a premier shopping and dining destination in Kansas City, MO. Their vision focuses on attracting unique local retailers and cultivating a stronger local food and beverage scene, moving away from a previous emphasis on national chains. Plans for the future include exploring options for the 3-acre former Nordstrom site, which has been vacant for over two years, potentially developing it into an office tower, high-rise apartments, or a boutique hotel. There are also efforts to bring back beloved establishments like Houston’s restaurant and introduce a new grocery store, possibly similar to a Trader Joe’s concept.
Investments in Infrastructure and Accessibility
Beyond new tenants, the revitalization plan includes substantial infrastructure upgrades. These involve improvements to sewers, roofing, pedestrian-friendly walkways, and landscaping, with considerations for cobblestone streets to enhance the Plaza’s historic charm. Improved public transportation is also a key component, with the ongoing KC Streetcar Main Street expansion expected to boost accessibility to the Plaza. These efforts are designed to create a more curated and cohesive experience for visitors and residents, fostering economic growth and community engagement.
Kansas City’s Resilient Entrepreneurial Spirit
Amidst these changes, Kansas City, MO, continues to demonstrate a strong and resilient entrepreneurial environment. The city was recognized in 2015 as one of the top five emerging cities globally for entrepreneur ecosystems. This robust ecosystem is supported by various local and state initiatives aimed at fostering small business growth and innovation.
Organizations like KCSourceLink serve as vital connectors, linking entrepreneurs to over 230 local business resources, including workshops and events. Digital Sandbox KC, for example, has played a significant role in providing proof-of-concept funding for early-stage startups, leading to the creation of new businesses and jobs across diverse industries such as healthcare IT, data security, and consumer products.
The City of Kansas City, Missouri’s Office of Economic Development, in partnership with other organizations, coordinates various programs to support economic development. These include the Missouri Development Finance Board’s tax credit projects, which offer tax credits for contributions to economic development activities, and the Chapter 353 Program, providing property tax abatement for development projects in blighted areas. The KCMO CDE also supports businesses through financing initiatives like the New Markets Tax Credit program and offers training through programs such as the Workshop in Business Opportunities. Such programs, coupled with an affordable real estate market and a stable workforce, contribute to Kansas City, MO, being an attractive location for starting and growing small businesses.
Looking Ahead: A Future Defined by Innovation and Community
The shifts on the Country Club Plaza, including the departure of Madewell, underscore the evolving nature of retail and the necessity for adaptability and strategic planning. While some established stores are moving on, the proactive measures by the new ownership, coupled with Kansas City’s inherent entrepreneurial drive and supportive economic development framework, point towards a future of renewed growth and innovation. The emphasis on local businesses, enhanced infrastructure, and improved visitor experience aims to re-establish the Plaza as a vibrant destination. Kansas City, MO, entrepreneurs and small businesses continue to demonstrate their resilience, contributing significantly to job creation and economic vitality. Supporting local enterprises and engaging with the ongoing developments will be key to shaping the city’s economic future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening with Madewell on the Country Club Plaza?
Madewell at 309 Nichols Road on the Country Club Plaza is reportedly closing permanently around January 20, 2026.
Will Madewell still have a presence in the Kansas City area?
Yes, Madewell’s Leawood location in Town Center Plaza will remain open.
What other businesses have recently closed on the Country Club Plaza?
Other businesses that have recently closed on the Plaza include Nickel & Suede, Claire’s, Parachute, Express, Forever 21, Kindred, Soft Surroundings, Casper, Evereve, Seasons 52, Starbucks, Razzleberry, Amy’s Hallmark shop, and Brio Italian Grille.
What is the current vacancy rate on the Country Club Plaza?
In May 2025, nearly one-third of the Plaza’s 156 available retail locations were vacant, which was more than during the pandemic.
Who owns the Country Club Plaza now?
Dallas-based Highland Park Village Partners, now operating as The Village Collection, purchased the Plaza in July 2024.
What are the new owners’ plans for the Country Club Plaza?
The new owners have plans for a $100 million revamp and “addition through subtraction” by removing some tenants to make way for renovations and improvements. They aim to restore the Plaza by focusing on unique retailers, a stronger local food and beverage scene, and improved walkability.
Are there any new businesses opening on the Plaza?
Yes, LoveShackFancy (popup) and the Italian restaurant Vertice are set to debut. Vertice Italian is confirmed to open in the former Parkway Social Kitchen space in 2026. Plaza Provisions (a food hall) and Momentum Lounge (a rooftop bar) opened in 2025.
What is the state of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kansas City, MO?
Kansas City, MO, has a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and was named one of the top five emerging cities globally for entrepreneur ecosystems in 2015. Organizations like KCSourceLink connect entrepreneurs to numerous local resources, and initiatives like Digital Sandbox KC support startups.
What economic development programs are available in Kansas City, MO?
The City of Kansas City, Missouri’s Office of Economic Development coordinates programs such as the Missouri Development Finance Board’s tax credit projects and the Chapter 353 Program for property tax abatement. The KCMO CDE offers financing through the New Markets Tax Credit program and training through the Workshop in Business Opportunities.
Key Features of Country Club Plaza’s Transformation
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Madewell Closure | Closing at 309 Nichols Road around January 20, 2026. Leawood location remains open. | Local |
| Recent Departures | Includes retailers like Nickel & Suede, Claire’s, Parachute, Express, Forever 21, Kindred, Soft Surroundings, Casper, and Evereve. Also restaurants such as Seasons 52, Starbucks, Razzleberry, Amy’s Hallmark shop, and Brio Italian Grille. | Local |
| Vacancy Rate (May 2025) | Nearly one-third of the 156 available retail locations were vacant. | Local |
| New Ownership | Highland Park Village Partners (now The Village Collection) acquired the Plaza in July 2024. | Local |
| Revitalization Investment | Approximately $100 million planned for renovations and improvements. | Local |
| Future Vision | Focus on unique local retailers, stronger local food/beverage scene, improved walkability, and potential new developments for former Nordstrom site (office tower, apartments, or hotel). Efforts to bring back Houston’s restaurant and introduce a grocery store. | Local |
| Infrastructure Upgrades | Improvements to sewers, roofing, pedestrian walkways, landscaping, and potential cobblestone streets. | Local |
| Accessibility Enhancements | KC Streetcar Main Street expansion expected to improve public transportation to the Plaza. | Local |
| Kansas City Entrepreneurial Ecosystem | Recognized as a top five emerging city globally for entrepreneur ecosystems in 2015, supported by organizations like KCSourceLink, Digital Sandbox KC, and the Office of Economic Development. | Local/State-level (Kansas City MO, Missouri Development Finance Board) |
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Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
