Joomla Login LightBox powered by WowJoomla.com

After testing the water for a few months with seasonal showcases, Vintage Market officially became a full-time business in Zona Rosa Jan. 7.

The shop, owned and operated by Kim Dye, formerly owner of the now defunct Pink Chandelier in Parkville, is equal parts boutique and antique mall with a little bit of consignment store thrown in.

The shop, Dye said, has been her dream for a long time.

"It’s similar to an antique mall, but I wouldn’t call it that because it’s so unique and fun," she said. "This is something I’ve always wanted to do and I’ve always wanted to have something like this north of the river."

Dye said she had thought about staying in Parkville, but ultimately decided Zona Rosa was a better fit for her.

"I feel like this is the place to shop north of the river and it’s a good outlet for us because it’s different," she said. "In Parkville there was nothing big enough for me and the price here versus there in Parkville was better; they offered me a good deal."

And so far Dye said the business has been very successful thanks to its distinctive, homegrown vibe.

"Business has been very good," she said. "People come in here and say, ‘oh my gosh, this is so cool.’"

Although Dye said she wouldn’t mind becoming her own chain and opening up franchises of the business if it’s successful enough moving forward.

But for now, Dye is on a one-year lease and hasn’t yet decided to become a permanent business in the shopping district.

In addition to the Vintage Market, there will be six more businesses opening in Zona Rosa in the coming months, including a new store for Parkville favorite Stone Canyon Pizza.

A Cajun restaurant that boasts live blues and jazz music will share a building formerly occupied by the Rib Crib with The Improv Comedy Club, which moved down the block allowing for a movie theater called Studio Movie Grill to move in. The shopping center will also be opening a 54th Street Bar and Grill and a furniture store called I.O. Metro.

Although Zona Rosa doesn’t release its vacancy rates, Rosemary Salerno, general manager of Zona Rosa, said the shopping district is doing very well since opening its second phase and especially this year.

"People are confident about the economy and people are feeling more confident about investing money in new locations," she said. "I’m very confident that we are exactly where we need to be."

Visit www.vintagemarketkc.com or www.zonarosa.com for more information.

Staff writer Michael Westblade can be reached at 389-6636 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed