Every dollar you spend at a Kansas City small business creates a ripple effect that strengthens our community three times over. While Black Friday brings the rush and Cyber Monday brings the clicks, Small Business Monday offers something better: a chance to shop with purpose while discovering the authentic heart of Kansas City.
Why Your Wallet Matters More Than You Think
When you buy from a local Kansas City shop, you’re doing more than just making a purchase. Money spent at locally owned businesses returns more than three times as much per dollar to the local economy as purchases from national chains. From 2019 to 2023, Kansas City startups created 87,547 jobs, accounting for 68% of all new jobs in the metro area.
Small businesses account for 99.7% of all independent enterprises nationwide, and Kansas City businesses employ more than half of all private-sector workers. Katie Mabry Van Dieren, founder of Shop Local KC, puts it perfectly: “You are really supporting their dreams. A lot of these people, they’ve tried to do a job they didn’t like just to make money and make ends meet, and this is their passion.”
For many Kansas City retailers, December sales literally determine whether they survive the slower months ahead. Your Small Business Monday purchases aren’t just transactions. They’re lifelines.
Kansas City Shops Worth Your Time
Crown Center
This shopping destination features more than 30 shops and restaurants in a three-level complex. Shop Local KC at Crown Center showcases work from over 50 local artists and craftspeople, offering grab-and-go fresh flowers, dried arrangements, and handmade Kansas City goods. You’ll find everything from Hallmark’s flagship Halls department store to smaller boutiques selling locally crafted jewelry and home decor.
Brookside Shopping District
Dating back to the 1920s, Brookside combines small-town charm with trendy finds. Shop Local KC’s Brookside location features 300+ Kansas City artisans, while Sierra Winter Jewelry offers intricately designed handcrafted pieces. Don’t miss The New Dime Store, which blends old-fashioned general store charm with clever modern merchandise, or STUFF, a vibrant gallery-style boutique selling bold jewelry, gifts, and art from local creators.
Crossroads Arts District
This creative hub pulses with energy from local designers and makers. Dear Society offers a well-curated collection of new and vintage clothing, plus home decor and apothecary items. The district’s artisan alleyways are packed with boutiques showcasing Kansas City talent, from handcrafted jewelry to imported furniture.
Westport
Kansas City’s oldest community now thrives as a fusion of shopping and entertainment. The Bunker has been a streetwear staple since 1997, offering Kansas City-themed apparel, locally designed jewelry, candles, and custom socks. The staff doesn’t just sell you clothes. They’ll recommend the best brunch spots and upcoming shows in the neighborhood.
Markets and Pop Ups to Explore
City Market Merry Market
Running select weekends through December, this open-air holiday shopping experience features more than 75 local artisans curated by Art Garden KC. Browse hand-thrown pottery, custom jewelry, fine art, and home decor while enjoying seasonal snacks and warm drinks from City Market restaurants. The market also hosts a Coats & Kindness Warm Up Drive to help families in need during winter.
Holiday Swing
Now in its 14th year, this handmade holiday maker’s market returns to J. Rieger & Co. distillery in the East Bottoms. Shop from 45 of Kansas City’s most talented makers in the heated indoor and outdoor tent structures, open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays through December.
City Market Farmers Market
Beyond the seasonal markets, the year-round City Market Farmers Market runs weekends from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. during summer and fall. Find mushroom farmers, flower bouquets, sweet treats, gourmet sauces, and distilled spirits. Adjacent markets include River Market Fleas for vintage finds and Art on Walnut for one-of-a-kind artwork and jewelry.
Making Small Business Monday Count
Small Business Monday isn’t about scoring deals. It’s about investing in your community’s future. Every purchase at a local shop keeps entrepreneurs pursuing their passions, creates jobs for your neighbors, and strengthens the Kansas City economy in ways that big box stores simply cannot match.
This Monday, skip the algorithm-driven shopping cart and step into a real Kansas City store. Talk to the owner who spent months perfecting their product. Discover items you didn’t know existed. Support the dreams that make Kansas City special.
Your community is counting on you, and the return on investment is immeasurable.
Sources: shoplocalkc.com, crowncenter.com, brooksidekc.org, kccrossroads.org, therostgroup.com, thecitymarketkc.org, kcur.org
Header Image Source: Nik on Unsplash
