‘E-commerce showrooms’ for men’s clothing line expected on the Plaza and in Leawood

E-retailer Bonobos is entering the area market with two “e-commerce showrooms.”

Bonobos was founded in 2007 as an online site selling what it termed “better-fitting” men’s pants. It later expanded with suits, shirts, jeans, swimwear, outerwear and more.

It also did trunk shows and even let consumers come to its New York corporate office so they could see and touch the merchandise before purchasing. It tested the Bonobos Guideshop retail model at the headquarters in 2011 and then launched the showrooms in 2012. It currently has more than 40 locations in such cities as Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, San Francisco and St. Louis.

As customers enter the showrooms they are assigned a personal shopper for guidance on fit and style. They place their orders at the showrooms and purchases are shipped free of charge to the customer, “eliminating the burden of carrying cumbersome bags,” the company said.

The company confirmed a location at 5000 W. 119th St. in Leawood’s Town Center Plaza that it hopes to open later this year.

Bonobos would not confirm a Country Club Plaza location. However, there is a tenant finish permit for a Bonobos at 219 Nichols Road.

Officials with Town Center Plaza couldn’t be reached for comment. Plaza officials declined to comment, referring calls to Bonobos.

Walmart purchased the company in July for $310 million, according to the New York Times.

This story was originally published October 4, 2017 at 1:03 PM with the headline "‘E-commerce showrooms’ for men’s clothing line expected on the Plaza and in Leawood."