For longtime Kansas City residents, Country Club Plaza has a reputation.
“When I first moved out here it was very hoity toity I guess. Very upscale and not always a place I could shop,” said Dawn Baker who has lived in Kansas City for more than 20 years.
On Saturday, Baker shopped at the new Nike store in Country Club Plaza. She says it’s one example of how the area is changing for the better.
“Places like Nike, Forever 21, kind of appeal to more people who may not have the higher incomes to afford the upscale things,” said Baker.
Most agree that it’s about time the city received a Nike store.
“The main reason why is because it’s such a sports-obsessed city,” said Kris Young, Nike’s North America Vice President Director of stores.
This store is unlike any other across the country.
“We’re taking the physical and the digital together,” said Young.
The pilot store is evolving brick and mortar for the technology generation.
“So if the consumer would rather shop on Nike.com they can come in here, touch the product and do that,” said Young.
For Baker, that’s exactly what brought her to the Nike store on Saturday. She wanted to see a product in person she first saw online.
“I want to try on a pair of running shoes. I saw them online and I knew this was opening,” said Baker.
Feeling more comfortable shopping at the Country Club Plaza is just an added bonus.
