More space needed for Chiefs merchandise, social distancing. So Plaza spot adds pop-up

Lenexa-based Rally House is opening a second location on the Country Club Plaza.

It has been on the Plaza since 2009 and in its current spot at 452 Ward Parkway for nearly a decade.

But with the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl win this year, that location is especially busy.

“Prior to COVID it was a great store but a little crowded with the Chiefs and Super Bowl,” said Aaron Liebert, CEO of Rally House. “After COVID with social distancing we needed more space to serve our fans better, and keep them and our associates safe, too.”

The 3,000-square-foot Ward Parkway location will now focus on Chiefs merchandise and Kansas City-themed products — apparel, hats and gifts including Kansas City barbecue sauces.

Rally House has a one-year lease for the new location at 235 W. 47th St., which is more than 6,000-square-feet.

It will carry licensed merchandise for local colleges and universities, Kansas City Royals, and Sporting Kansas City, as well as some Chiefs products including a large selection of Patrick Mahomes merchandise.

“He’s like the one guy having a great 2020,” Liebert said.

Rally House now has more than 65 locations in nine states.

The new location is scheduled to open Saturday. If it is successful, the company hopes to keep both locations on the Plaza.

The Plaza currently has about two dozen empty spaces.

Nordstrom has pushed back its opening to 2022 due to the impact of COVID-19. Since the pandemic, the Plaza has lost such tenants as Sur La Table and Parkway Social Kitchen.

But locally owned Nickel & Suede and Sterling Bank recently opened on the Plaza, and Bruu Cafe plans to open in October.

This story was originally published September 30, 2020 at 4:13 PM.