Why I Still Love Shopping in Actual Stores

This post is sponsored by Summit Fair in Lee's Summit. Opinions, however, belong to the writer.

You know what I love? Walking into a store, being acknowledged by an employee, and then being left alone to browse unless I have a question. It’s my ideal way to spend a free hour or two – stroll at a nice shopper’s pace, pick things up, touch fabrics, try things on, stumble onto an unexpected must-have, maybe hit the jackpot and find that it’s on sale or, even better, marked as clearance!

The KCMB team had the good fortune to spend a few hours at Summit Fair in Lee’s Summit last weekend enjoying a girls day, shopping for spring!

Delicious Apps and Sales Galore!

We met at Big Whiskey’s for mimosas and appetizers (the southwest egg rolls and Triple Dip were GOOD) before heading out to do my favorite thing – browse!

The triple dip is a trifecta of dippy goodness! White queso spinach dip, buffalo chicken dip and fresh salsa! Delicious!

I moseyed over to Francesca’s with a handful of other contributors where we all oooohed and aaaahed over adorable summer dresses, clearance boots(!) and spinner after spinner of super cute earrings. I couldn’t resist their BOGO 50% off on all full priced clothing, jewelry, accessories and gifts. I left with a pair of red retro-styled sunglasses and some rose gold aviators. Hello, summer!

Francesca’s – great sales on stylish women’s clothes and accessories, as well as cute gifts and home decor!

Macy’s – Moms’ Oasis

From there, I wandered into Macy’s, where I cruised the path through the store, noticing tons of sales and rack after rack of bright, springy dresses and separates. I ducked into the very clean ladies room with a place to sit and comfortably nurse or change a diaper. A few more steps past the restrooms and – what?!?! A Starbucks tucked inside a department store?! Score! I wish I would have shopped at Summit Fair when my son was little! A decaf cup of goodness while sitting on a comfy sofa, staying on our feeding schedule even while away from home??! Livin’ the dream!

Hidden Starbucks inside this Macy’s!

Summit Fair – all the elements of a solid brick-and-mortar shopping experience

  • Ample free parking
  • Wide sidewalks with lots of ADA-compliant ramps
  • Great environment for a girlfriends’ shopping trip or an afternoon out with the fam
  • Family-friendly shops for just about everything you can think of:
    • Looking to do breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, drinks or dessert? Check, check, check, check, check and check.
    • Need a department store? Check.
    • What about sporting goods? Check.
    • Maybe you need to stock up on makeup or schedule salon or spa services? Check, check, check.
    • Spring family photo shoot coming up and now you need coordinating outfits for every member of the family? All the checks. (Forever 21 is opening soon!)

Brick and mortar shopping remains a big part of communities all over the country. While it’s nice to hop on your phone, find what you need and have it sent to your home, there’s just something about that in-store experience. Try it on. Take it home. Don’t like it? Return it without the hassle of shipping. You can do it all at Summit Fair.

Summit Fair’s Current Promotion!

Spend a couple of hours at Summit Fair this spring! While shopping/dining, if you take a photo at Summit Fair and post it to your personal social media page(s) with the hashtag #summitfairphotoshare, you could win a $25 gift card*. (Winners will be selected at random and photos will be shared to Summit Fair social media pages. If Summit Fair shares – you win! That’s it!)

Karen Arokiasamy
Born & raised in the KC metro, I now live in OP with my husband, 8yo son, goofy Golden mix & grouchy geriatric cat. After graduating from KU & spending over a decade as a buttoned-up corporate person, I quit my job, pierced my nose & hunkered down to raise a kiddo. Here we are, 6 years later, & I love spending my days writing, volunteering & planning our next far-flung adventure.

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