Most denizens of Kansas City's Latino Community know the Lona Family from their years of entrepreneurship on The Westside. The latest project of three Lona brothers is exceptionally noteworthy.
Check out Riley's at Town Center Plaza for the latest in hip little kid fashions in a boutique setting.
Earlier this week, I was able to chat with my friend David Lona about the new venture.
"It's hip clothing for kids and a different experience than the run-of-the-mill retail chain," Lona said.
Partner Jillian Nikole Allen expressed her motivation in creating the store's theme and atmosphere: "I wanted to design a place where I could take my son and find clothing that's cool," Allen said. "This is definitely a place where you can find clothes for your kid to show off."
I've known the Lonas for quite a while and it's interesting the way the various skill sets of the entire family were utilized to create Riley's. Gabe Lona works in real estate and his expertise was used to scout and craft the location. David has years of retail experience and a great many people who have purchased expensive suits at Hall's might recognize him as one of the most popular and well liked guys at the Crown Center store. Guillermo Lona recently graduated with and MBA from Rockhurst University and his business background helped to establish the business.
"We all had something that we brought to the table and that made the hard work in opening Riley's just a bit easier," David Lona said. "It's been challenging starting a new business but I think what we've created is something unique that most people in the Kansas City area haven't seen yet."
Note: The store takes its moniker not only from the hoodrat (yet chic) character from The Boondocks but also the middle name of Gabe Lona's son.
Taking a look around the shop as preparations were made for opening day was a good time and caused me to lament that stuff this cool wasn't around when I was a little kid.
This isn't a promo, just a shout out to some friends of TKC. Still, I'd certainly encourage parents with trendy kids in training to check out what Riley's has to offer.
Riley's at Town Center Plaza
Location:
4824 W. 119th
Leawood, KS, 66209
Phone: 816-607-1048
Mon - Sat: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sun: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Like the Run-DMC shirt.
ReplyDeleteLooks like another publically-funded, kick-back to Theresa Garza-Ruiz's Mom -- Sharon Ko.
ReplyDeleteWhere is the FBI?
Sharon, let me out of the trunk. I do not see where this game is fun?
ReplyDelete@stench what f@%k are u talkin about. Your comment doesnt even make sense. Get a clue dumb ass.
ReplyDeletenuttin but haters on this site. Nice store.
ReplyDeleteTony -
ReplyDeleteWatch out.. The leawood and overland park police have a quota of brown people to pull over between 119th and 435 on Nall. It seems irresponsible to recommend a store like this without mentioning this caveat. ;)
Lame.Fail within a year.
ReplyDeleteOh I am sorry.some @lame ass broke folks will not be able to shop there.been there and they have everything.sorry to the LAMES..
ReplyDeleteTheresa named it after her favorite African-American Irish Guy.
ReplyDeleteDood. The store is in JOHNSON COUNTY and you're talking Jackson County.
ReplyDeleteWTF?
I've been following Riley's on Twitter and am a little disappointed that they didn't tweet the opening of their store... I would have been their on opening day had I known.
ReplyDeleteMy son is probably going to be a scrawny comic book nerd like me, but I'd love to check the place out, and if the prices are right, I'm sure there's something I can buy that will trick strangers into believing my son will be tough.
Does Riley's design their own clothes, or order boutique stuff from independent distributors?
Are these guys midgets?
ReplyDeleteWhether its hip, or not, is irrelevant. If it pays wages & taxes, then its a good thing.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. I've been to the store and if you are looking to outfit your child in clothes you won't find elsewhere, you've found the spot. I'm still telling everyone about the T-Rex shirt I wish I could have worn as a kid. Yes, I know the family and yes, I would recommend the store (and am) based upon the niche it serves and its merchandise. What young boy wouldn't love the T-Rex shirt currently in stock? If you have been to the store you know what I mean!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous shit talkin shows that this place will be here for along time.Man I hate these pussy shit talkers.say who u are bitches!!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous shit talkin shows that this place will be here for along time.Man I hate these pussy shit talkers.say who u are bitches!!
ReplyDeleteIts funny how people are quick to say negative things without knowing anything or learning about something. People should rather raise there glasses and say things like "best of luck", "Hope it works out","Great Idea" .Small businesses are hard to create especially in this economy. I went out to Riley's this weekend it was cool, a breath of fresh air to the retail stores in KC! So go check them and support local business that was started from the ground up. Sorry about the rant...but just had to drop some knowledge on you folks that talk before they know the facts.-AZTK
ReplyDeletestill lame bitches!!!
ReplyDeleteI'd give it 6 months tops.
ReplyDeleteMost businesses fail within a year. This is such specialized market that it will either prosper or shutter quickly.
ReplyDeletetaco stand or detail shop...pick one and WIN!!!!
ReplyDeletelolzerz
ReplyDeleteFunny how tough these nameless internet haters are. Get it off here safely. Leave a real name,better go down there. Bitch ass gets no respect!!
ReplyDeleteLike to support small business owners. Best of luck to them. Will definitely check it out. Just wish it was in Missouri
ReplyDeletePlease forward all issues concerning crime in Kansas City to 5th District Councilman & future
ReplyDeleteMayor Terry Riley
at City Hall, 22nd floor
• 414 E. 12th St. • Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: (816) 513-1629 • Fax: (816) 513-1612
Thank you,