Town Center Plaza facts for kids

Town Center Plaza is a fun outdoor shopping center located in Leawood, Kansas. It's a place where you can find many different stores and restaurants. This center, along with a nearby one called Town Center Crossing, is managed by a company named WP Glimcher. They bought Town Center Plaza for a lot of money, about $139 million!

The shopping center first opened its doors in 1996. When it first started, a big store called Jacobson's was its main "anchor store." An anchor store is usually a very large store that helps attract shoppers to the whole center. After Jacobson's closed in 2002, another store, The Jones Store, took its place in 2003. Later, in 2006, Macy's moved in and became the new main store. Another original store was Galyan's, which changed into Dick's Sporting Goods in 2004.

What is a Shopping Center?

A shopping center is a group of stores, restaurants, and other businesses all together in one place. Town Center Plaza is an "open-air" center, which means the stores are in separate buildings, and you walk outside between them. It's like a small town square designed for shopping! These centers are great places to spend time with friends and family, whether you're looking for new clothes, a gift, or just a tasty snack.

History of Town Center Plaza

Town Center Plaza has been a popular spot for shopping and fun since it opened in 1996. Over the years, some of the stores have changed, but the center has always been a busy place.

Early Days and First Stores

When Town Center Plaza first opened, it had a few key stores that helped make it popular.

• Jacobson's: This was the very first main anchor store. It was a department store, which means it sold many different kinds of products, like clothes, home goods, and beauty items.
• Galyan's: This store focused on sports gear and outdoor equipment. It was a great place for people looking for things for their favorite sports or adventures.

Changes Over Time

Shopping centers often see stores come and go. This is normal as companies change or new businesses open.

• From Jacobson's to Macy's: After Jacobson's closed in 2002, the large space was taken over by The Jones Store in 2003. Then, in 2006, Macy's, a very well-known department store, moved in. Macy's is still a big part of the shopping center today.
• Galyan's Becomes Dick's Sporting Goods: In 2004, Galyan's changed into Dick's Sporting Goods. This store also sells sports equipment and clothing, so it continued to serve people who love sports.

What You Can Find There

Today, Town Center Plaza offers a wide variety of shops and places to eat. You can find stores selling clothes, shoes, electronics, and gifts. There are also many restaurants where you can grab a meal or a quick snack. It's a place where people from Leawood and nearby towns go to shop, eat, and hang out.