The charming interior of John Taylor Dry Goods, a historical retail store in Kansas City.
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Sponsor Our ArticlesThis article revisits the historical significance of John Taylor Dry Goods, a retail icon in Kansas City since 1881. From humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of shopping on Petticoat Lane, Taylor’s legacy shaped the local retail landscape. The dry goods store’s evolution reflects the vibrant spirit of commerce in Kansas City, with milestones including partnerships and notable architectural transformations. Despite its closure in 1986, the influence of John Taylor Dry Goods continues to resonate in the community.
Hey there, Kansas City! It’s time to take a delightful stroll down memory lane and revisit an iconic piece of our local retail history—John Taylor Dry Goods. This historic dry goods store began its journey in 1881 when John Taylor made the big move from Columbus, Ohio, to our very own Kansas City, with dreams of starting his own shop. Spoiler alert: he definitely made his mark!
Teaming up with George Sinclair, Taylor launched his dry goods store in the new Ridge Building at 1038 Main Street. Back then, this spot was seen as a bit *out there*, since the city’s retail heart was thought to pulse only up until the 7th Street. But that didn’t stop eager customers from flooding in, as they were on the hunt for goods like women’s clothing, linens, draperies, and much-needed toiletries that many had previously only dreamed of!
Even though Sinclair decided to part ways after just one year, Taylor’s spirit didn’t waver. He kept pushing the envelope and expanding the store little by little. An exciting development came when the store spread out west to Baltimore Street, giving customers a new entrance and even greater access to their beloved products.
As the years rolled on, the original shop eventually underwent a major transformation. A sleek, six-story structure took the place of the original building. This new design even featured a fantastic heating and cooling system that aimed to keep dust at bay inside the store. Talk about an upgrade! As Taylor continued to mold the retail landscape of this area, a buzz of activity blossomed along 11th Street, giving way to the creation of a lively shopping district known as Petticoat Lane.
By the 1930s, Petticoat Lane had turned into a bustling hub filled with a variety of major department stores. Shoppers were in heaven with so many options at places like Peck’s, Kline’s, Emery, Bird & Thayer, and Harzfeld’s. It’s hard to imagine the excitement of exploring this vibrant marketplace during its prime!
In 1947, the iconic building caught the eye of none other than Macy’s, marking its debut location in Kansas City. Can you believe it? Then, in the 1980s, the store briefly operated under the name Dillards. However, just a few years later, in 1986, it was time to say goodbye as the building was brought down to pave the way for a parking garage for the new AT&T Town Pavilion located right across the street.
As shoppers scurried around Petticoat Lane in the days of yore, one familiar face ensured everyone’s safety. James Hogan, a dedicated traffic cop, kept both pedestrians and vehicles in check, making the shopping experience that much smoother.
So there you have it, Kansas City! A little lesson in retail history that encapsulates the spirit of our shopping community. John Taylor Dry Goods paved the way for so much of what we now see in the bustling streets of Kansas City, and its legacy continues to influence our local shopping scene to this very day!
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