‘We are just having so much fun.’ New women-owned retailers expanding in Kansas City
Two local women-owned retailers are expanding to the Northland’s Zona Rosa this summer.
▪ Annie Austen is a Kansas City-based accessories and hand-picked vintage decor retailer — online, co-op and pop-up. It will open its first brick-and-mortar location at 7116 N.W. 86th Terrace on July 1.
Three siblings are behind the business, which launched in late 2020 — Matthew Callicotte, Lucie Callicotte and Annie Austen. Matthew, a former pipeliner, does online order fulfillment and production including putting beads on silk thread. Lucie, an attorney, is “vintage curator extraordinaire” in accessories, purses and home decor, and will oversee day-to-day operations at the new store.
“I started the business, and my siblings came in whenever I needed help,” Austen said. “We realized we could enhance the jewelry experience — ensuring quality while maintaining affordability. It really is about sustainability. We want our jewelry to be around for a long time and from the vintage perspective there are a lot of things that can be given new life. We are just having so much fun.”
The company donates 5% of profits to Feeding America.
▪ Shop Len, a sister concept to Lucca Collection boutique in the River Market, plans a July 15 opening at 7207 N.W. 86th Terrace. Described as a “chic and contemporary women’s boutique,” it offers customers (21 and older) a free glass of champagne.
Taylor Duryea founded Lucca Collection clothing and accessories shop in 2015, offering everything from casual wear to formals. It also has jewelry, shoes, handbags and gift items. Shop Len will have similar merchandise.
Duryea grew up in Liberty and lives near Zona Rosa. She wanted to have a shop that was more accessible to Northlanders.
“It’s very modern, it’s very trendy and our quality is amazing for the price point. And unique compared to things you are going to find elsewhere,” she said.
The shops are named after her children — son Lucca, 8, and daughter Lennon, 3.
Both retailers have a one-year lease but hope to extend their leases if the locations are popular.
Zona Rosa is an open-air, mixed-use urban town center at the northwest corner of Interstate 29 and Barry Road.
This story was originally published May 30, 2023 at 2:04 PM.