What Made in KC does

Made in KC is a Kansas City-based multi-channel retail brand founded in 2015 that operates as a curated marketplace for exclusively local Kansas City goods. The company sells apparel, hats, socks, souvenirs, wall art, books, BBQ sauces, coffee, pantry items, and gift boxes sourced from 100+ local vendors, artisans, designers, and food producers. Made in KC runs ten physical retail locations across the Kansas City metro — including a flagship Made in KC Marketplace on Country Club Plaza and a newly opened shop at Union Station (December 4, 2025) — alongside a Shopify-powered e-commerce site with nationwide and international shipping. The company claims that 93% of customer dollars stay within the Kansas City metro through its local-vendor model.

The business operates four primary revenue streams: one-time retail product sales (the dominant line, with apparel at $32–$72 and gift boxes at $29–$115), a $20/month recurring KC Coffee Subscription (powered by Appstle), pre-curated and customizable gift boxes, and a B2B corporate gifting program with a $500 minimum order. Customer segments span local Kansas City residents, tourists and visitors, sports fans (KC Chiefs, Royals, KC Current, Sporting KC, KU, K-State, Mizzou), and corporate/B2B clients. Distribution combines physical retail, DTC e-commerce, email marketing, a VIP loyalty program, and direct sales for corporate accounts. Pricing ranges from $5–$200 gift cards, with free domestic shipping on orders over $75. Major strategic partnerships include Charlie Hustle, Sandlot Goods, Arthur Bryant's, Jack Stack Barbecue, Gates Bar-B-Q, Joe's Kansas City, and the city's professional sports franchises and major universities. The technology stack is standard Shopify e-commerce with Appstle subscription management; no proprietary technology or AI/ML capabilities are disclosed.

Name

Made in KC

Legal name

Made in KC

Website

https://madeinkc.co

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Made in KC is a Kansas City-based multi-channel retail marketplace, founded in 2015, that curates and sells exclusively local KC goods — apparel, gifts, food, books, and souvenirs — across ten physical stores and a Shopify e-commerce site, serving locals, tourists, sports fans, and corporate clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Kansas City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Retail Product Sales: One-time purchases of apparel, accessories, food items, home goods, and Kansas City-themed merchandise through physical stores and online store
2. Coffee Subscription: Monthly recurring subscription delivering 12oz bag of local Kansas City coffee beans from partner roasters. Subscription priced at $20/month with ability to skip, cancel, or modify deliveries through customer portal.
3. Gift Box Sales: Pre-curated and customizable gift boxes sold at various price points ($29-$115) for special occasions, corporate gifting, and local-themed care packages
4. Corporate Gifting: B2B corporate gifting program with custom gift box options for businesses, minimum order $500+, with customization capabilities for workforces of all sizes

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Made in KC is a multi-channel retail brand operating ten physical storefronts across Kansas City and an e-commerce site, curating and selling locally made Kansas City merchandise including apparel, hats, socks, souvenirs, wall art, books, BBQ sauces, coffee, pantry items, and gift boxes sourced from over 100 local KC vendors and designers. The company also runs a monthly coffee subscription service and a B2B corporate gifting program with custom gift box options.

Product overview

Made in KC is Kansas City's premier destination for local goods, gifts, apparel, and more, operating as a multi-category retail platform with both physical retail locations and an e-commerce store. The company aggregates products from over 100+ local Kansas City vendors and designers, organized into distinct collections including: Apparel (t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets), Hats & Beanies, Socks, Kids & Baby items, Souvenirs (pins, magnets, keychains), Wall Art & Prints, Books, Food & Drink (BBQ sauces, coffee, pantry items), and Gift Boxes. The product portfolio includes specialized sports-themed collections for KC Football (Chiefs), KC Baseball (Royals), KC Women's Soccer (Current), and KC Men's Soccer (Sporting KC), as well as collegiate collections for KU, K-State, and Mizzou. Additional offerings include Corporate Gifting services (minimum $500+), a Coffee Subscription service, and a VIP loyalty program. The company operates physical retail locations throughout the Kansas City metro area and online at madeinkc.co.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Apparel Collection Locally printed Kansas City apparel featuring local football, soccer, baseball, BBQ themes including t-shirts, tanks, sweatshirts, jackets, and clothing from local designers like Charlie Hustle, Sandlot Goods, 1KC, Made Mobb, and School of Sock. For KC residents, tourists, and sports fans.
• Hats & Beanies Collection Kansas City hats including beanies, baseball caps, flatbills, and dad hats priced $32-$45 from local brands like Sandlot Goods, 1KC, Made Mobb, and KC Clothing Co.
• Socks Collection Kansas City-themed socks priced $14-$15 featuring prints for football, baseball, and Kansas City landmarks from brands including School of Sock and Carly Rae Studio.
• Kids & Baby Collection Onesies, toddler tops, and children's tees featuring Kansas City pride, sports themes, and local landmarks.
• Souvenirs Collection KC-themed souvenirs including decals, enamel pins, keychains, magnets, ornaments, and tote bags designed for tourists and visitors.
• Wall Art & Prints Collection Kansas City prints featuring the Plaza Fountain, Shuttlecock statues, Union Station, Scout statue, and typography celebrating KC pride, sourced from local artists.
• Books Collection Books about Kansas City history, sports, BBQ, Country Club Plaza, Westport, and local children's books priced $12-$30.
• Gift Boxes Collection Curated gift boxes and care packages featuring Kansas City goods including themes such as Snack Sampler, BBQ, Coffee Lovers, Game Day, Housewarming, and Sock Boxes priced $29-$115 for special occasions and corporate gifting.
• KC Coffee Subscription Monthly recurring subscription delivering 12oz bags of local Kansas City coffee beans from partner roasters. Priced at $20/month with ability to skip, cancel, or modify deliveries through customer portal.
• Corporate Gifting B2B corporate gifting program offering custom Kansas City-themed gift boxes for businesses, with minimum order of $500+ and customization capabilities for workforces of all sizes.
• BBQ Collection Kansas City barbecue sauces, rubs, seasonings, and BBQ-themed apparel from local KC BBQ staples like Arthur Bryant's, Jack Stack, Gates, Q39, Joe's KC, and Zarda.
• Pantry Collection Gourmet foods from Kansas City including mustards, salsas, pickles, compotes, honey, and culinary products from local food producers.
• KC Sports Team Collections Sports-themed collections including KC Football (Chiefs), KC Baseball (Royals), KC Women's Soccer (KC Current), KC Men's Soccer (Sporting KC), and collegiate collections for KU (Jayhawks), K-State (Wildcats), and MU (Mizzou Tigers), featuring apparel, accessories, drinkware, and gift boxes.
• Summer of Soccer Collection Special collection celebrating FIFA World Cup 2026 hosted in Kansas City, featuring team merchandise, apparel, and gift boxes.
• Made In KC Online Gift Card Digital gift cards available in denominations from $5 to $200, emailed with unique codes and never expiring.

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

93 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• Arthur Bryant'scoreOthersLegendary Kansas City BBQ restaurant whose sauces and rubs are sold at Made in KC locations. Products include Original Barbeque Sauce and Meat and Rib Rub.
• Jack Stack BarbecuecoreOthersUpscale Kansas City BBQ chain providing sauces, seasonings, and rubs for retail sale at Made in KC.
• Gates Bar-B-QcoreOthersIconic Kansas City BBQ restaurant whose sauces are featured at Made in KC locations.
• Joe's Kansas CitycoreOthersFamous Kansas City BBQ establishment whose sauces and seasonings are sold at Made in KC.
• Q39minorOthersModern Kansas City BBQ restaurant providing sauces, glazes, and rubs for retail sale.
• ZardaminorOthersKansas City BBQ sauce and rub brand featured in Made in KC's BBQ collection.
• Charlie HustlecoreOthersMajor Kansas City apparel brand creating KC-themed t-shirts, sweatshirts, and merchandise. One of the largest brand presences in Made in KC stores.
• Sandlot GoodscoreOthersKansas City-based apparel company producing sports-themed and KC pride merchandise.
• 1KCmajorOthersKansas City apparel brand creating local pride merchandise and apparel.
• Made MobbmajorOthersKansas City streetwear and apparel brand creating KC-themed products.
• Bellboy ApparelminorOthersKansas City apparel brand featuring local sports references.
• Bozz PrintsminorOthersKansas City artist creating local-themed print designs.
• School of SockmajorOthersKansas City sock brand creating KC-themed socks featuring sports teams, landmarks, and local pride.
• Carly Rae StudiominorOthersKansas City-based apparel and accessory designer creating local-themed products.
• Ampersand Design StudiomajorOthersKansas City design studio creating prints, books, and KC-themed merchandise.
• Jules CominorOthersKansas City apparel brand creating local-themed t-shirts.
• Press MonkeyminorOthersKansas City screen printing and apparel brand.
• City Brim HatsminorOthersKansas City-based hat company creating local-themed caps.
• Home KCminorOthersKansas City apparel brand creating local-themed children's clothing.
• SKCOUTminorOthersKansas City sports apparel brand.
• ThreeKCminorOthersKansas City apparel brand featuring local BBQ and sports themes.
• Fountain CityminorOthersKansas City-themed apparel and merchandise brand.
• SquintsminorOthersKansas City apparel brand creating local sports-themed merchandise.
• Dot'sminorOthersKansas City-inspired apparel brand.
• Hometown AnthemminorOthersKansas City sports apparel brand.
• 1853 ApparelminorOthersKansas City apparel brand.
• Hart & LuxminorOthersKansas City-based jewelry and accessories brand.
• KC Clothing CominorOthersKansas City clothing brand creating local-themed apparel.
• Rowdy GoodsminorOthersKansas City-based headwear and apparel brand.
• Craft E EmbroideryminorOthersKansas City embroidery brand creating custom KC merchandise.
• Flint & FieldminorOthersKansas City brand.
• KC Handmade GoodsminorOthersKansas City handmade goods and merchandise brand.
• Mission Driven GoodsminorOthersKansas City mission-driven brand.
• Red RivalminorOthersKansas City apparel brand.
• Relative Apparel & DesignminorOthersKansas City apparel brand.
• Ascend PublishingminorOthersKansas City-based children's book publisher.
• KC LabyrinthminorOthersKansas City game and puzzle creator producing KC-themed board games.
• Sift & SerifminorOthersKansas City designer creating KC-themed artwork and merchandise.
• Cute N SassyminorOthersKansas City handmade plush toy maker.
• Nate CrosserminorOthersKansas City artist creating prints and artwork featuring local scenes.
• Mike MerkleminorOthersKansas City artist creating KC-themed prints.
• W. Dave KeithminorOthersKansas City artist creating local skyline and sports prints.
• Fountain CityminorOthersKansas City design brand creating KC-themed art prints.
• Sheron SmithminorOthersKansas City artist creating local artwork.
• Drift TraceminorOthersKansas City artist creating local-themed prints.
• ColorbloKCminorOthersKansas City artist creating colorful KC skyline prints.
• Stray Folk PrintsminorOthersPrint artist creating Kansas City state parks artwork.
• Bath Martens PrintsminorOthersKansas City artist creating sports-themed prints.
• Cleary LaneminorOthersKansas City jewelry designer creating KC-themed accessories.
• Avery PostcardsminorOthersKansas City postcard and magnet maker.
• BAC MusicminorOthersKansas City music-themed ornament creator.
• Say It On WoodminorOthersKansas City woodworker creating KC-themed keychains and magnets.
• Daily BeansminorOthersKansas City coffee roaster creating Made in KC exclusive blend.
• Messner Bee FarmminorOthersKansas City honey producer providing local pantry goods.
• Max MixminorOthersKansas City spice and rub producer.
• Heartland MasalaminorOthersKansas City spice blend producer.
• Curley's Famous BarbecueminorOthersKansas City BBQ sauce producer.
• LC's Famous Kansas City BBQminorOthersKansas City BBQ restaurant providing sauces.
• Meat MitchminorOthersKansas City BBQ sauce and rub brand.
• CowtownminorOthersKansas City BBQ brand providing sauces.
• GrindersminorOthersKansas City spice company.
• Sophie Sadler / German Home KitchenminorOthersKansas City cookbook author.
• Museum of BBQminorOthersKansas City BBQ museum creating gift box collaborations.
• Rainy Day BooksminorOthersKansas City independent bookstore creating gift box collaborations.
• Sly JamesminorOthersFormer Kansas City mayor and author of local books.
• Topsy'sminorOthersKansas City popcorn brand.
• CocoavinominorOthersKansas City chocolate and wine confection brand.
• Madison Street LeatherminorOthersKansas City leather goods maker creating KC-themed accessories.
• Green BeeminorOthersKansas City textile brand creating dish towels.
• Archival DesignminorOthersKansas City designer creating ornaments and magnets.
• Tina Blanck / Coasters to CoastersminorOthersKansas City artist creating stadium-themed coasters.
• Two SeamsminorOthersKansas City apparel brand.
• WonderBoy ApparelminorOthersKansas City apparel brand.
• Fountain City WoodshopminorOthersKansas City woodworker creating ornaments.
• Absorb LumenminorOthersKansas City textile brand.
• Eb & Co / E.B. & Co.minorOthersKansas City jewelry designer creating sports-themed earrings.
• Nickel & SuedeminorOthersKansas City leather accessory brand creating earrings and bracelets.
• KC Pup CominorOthersKansas City pet accessories brand.
• Squirrel!minorOthersKansas City pet accessories brand.
• Why BeginminorOthersKansas City stationery brand.
• Vandy VisualsminorOthersKansas City sticker designer.
• Desert PeachminorOthersKansas City pin maker.
• Artist KCminorOthersKansas City artist creating soccer-themed magnets and pins.
• AMD EmbroideryminorOthersKansas City embroidery shop creating patches.
• SandlotminorOthersKansas City leather goods maker creating coasters.
• The Collective BrandminorOthersKansas City apparel brand.
• KC CurrentmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKansas City women's professional soccer team. Made in KC features extensive KC Current merchandise collection including jerseys, apparel, and accessories.
• Sporting Kansas CitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKansas City men's professional soccer team. Made in KC carries merchandise and team-themed products.
• Kansas City ChiefsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNFL team. Made in KC features extensive Chiefs game day merchandise and fan gear.
• Kansas City RoyalsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMLB team. Made in KC carries Royals-themed merchandise and baseball collectibles.
• University of Kansas (KU)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState university with major basketball program. Made in KC features extensive KU/Jayhawks merchandise.
• Kansas State University (K-State)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState university with athletics program. Made in KC carries K-State/Wildcats merchandise.
• University of Missouri (Mizzou)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState university with athletics program. Made in KC carries Mizzou/Tigers merchandise.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Etsy: Etsy is a global online marketplace for handmade, vintage, and local goods. It is the closest large-scale analog to Made in KC's artisan/vendor marketplace model, though it lacks physical retail and a strong single-metro identity.
• Huckberry: Huckberry is a curated men's lifestyle brand and retailer combining apparel, home goods, and gear from independent makers. Its curation-of-independent-brands approach parallels Made in KC's local-vendor marketplace model.
• Uncommon Goods: Uncommon Goods is an online retailer of curated gifts, novelties, and artisan-made items, with a strong gifting and corporate gifting offering. It competes directly with Made in KC's gift box and corporate gifting categories.
• Lids: Lids is the largest North American retailer of sports hats and licensed headwear, with a multi-store footprint similar in scale to Made in KC's 10 Kansas City stores. It directly competes with Made in KC's hat and sports merchandise categories.
• Fanatics: Fanatics is the dominant sports merchandise retailer, holding league licenses for the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and MLS. While it operates at vastly larger scale, it competes with Made in KC's Chiefs, Royals, KC Current, and Sporting KC merchandise categories.

Emerging players

• Made Trade: Made Trade is an online marketplace focused on ethically sourced and sustainable apparel, accessories, and home goods from independent makers. Its values-driven curation of independent brands parallels Made in KC's local-vendor emphasis.

Direct peers

• Rally House: Rally House is a multi-store retail chain selling sports team merchandise, local/regional apparel, and gifts across multiple U.S. metros. Its combination of sports apparel, local-pride merchandise, gift items, and multi-store + online retail mirrors Made in KC's operating model.
• Goldbelly: Goldbelly is an online marketplace aggregating iconic regional foods and curated food gift boxes from local producers across the U.S. Its marketplace-of-local-food-gifts model directly overlaps with Made in KC's BBQ, coffee, and pantry collections and its gift box business.
• Neighborhood Goods: Neighborhood Goods is a curated marketplace concept that aggregates independent brands and makers into retail storefronts with a strong local-community narrative. While larger in scale, its curated local-vendor marketplace model is structurally similar to Made in KC's 100+ vendor approach.

Others

• Food52: Food52 is a curated online marketplace for kitchen, home, and food products, with strong gifting offerings. It is adjacent to Made in KC through overlap in food gifts, pantry items, and curated gift boxes rather than direct competition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/madeinkc_
• Facebookfacebook.com/madeinkcshop

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Made in KC