Kansas City Bids Farewell to 7th Heaven, a Cultural Icon After Nearly 50 Years

Kansas City Says Goodbye to 7th Heaven, a Cultural Icon

Kansas City residents are gearing up to say their final goodbyes to a beloved local hotspot that has stood the test of time. 7th Heaven, a vibrant hub of music and counterculture for nearly fifty years, is set to close its doors later this year. The owner and founder, Jan Fichman, announced on Monday that the iconic music store and head shop will likely shut down “sometime in November, probably,” although a specific date has yet to be set.

For those who haven’t been in a while, there’s no better time to do a little treasure hunting. Fichman revealed there are approximately 36,000 used records still in stock to sift through. And for those looking for a deal, this is the moment: all smoking accessories and used music are currently on sale for half price, while new vinyl is 20% off. “If you came in and wrote a check for a couple hundred thousand dollars today, we’d close it by Thursday,” he joked with a chuckle, highlighting the urgency and excitement of the clearance.

A Journey that Started in 1974

Fichman’s journey in the music business began in 1974. Originally raised in south Kansas City, he dabbled in selling bootleg eight-track tapes at gas stations and swap meets before deciding to open his very first shop. The original location—believe it or not—was a former Taco Via situated at 7653 Troost Ave.. It later found its home at 7621 Troost, where it thrived and became part of the local fabric.

7th Heaven didn’t just sell records. From incense and futons to water pipes and turquoise jewelry, the shop tapped into everything that the hippie underground loved. “We caught it at the right time, and the business just took off,” Fichman reflected. It wasn’t just about music; it was about creating a unique community space.

The Rise of an Icon

Before long, 7th Heaven expanded to include locations in Overland Park, Kansas City, Kansas, and even as far as Lawrence and Sedalia. At its peak, the business boasted a total of seven stores! Although many have since closed, Fichman’s brother Ken maintains a 7th Heaven in Blue Springs, focused largely on smoking accessories.

Fichman mentioned, “I believe we’ve sold more recorded music than anybody in the history of Kansas City,” noting that his shops raked in around $30 to $40 million in recorded music sales alone. The shop became a crucial player in the local music scene, particularly as rap and hip-hop began to explode in the 1990s.

Musicians could sell their records on consignment, giving birth to now-famous artists who got their start hustling mixtapes right inside 7th Heaven. “7th Heaven was very instrumental in the growth of the KC music scene and provided a place for us to get in the system, create our buzz, and make our money,” former artist Courtney Richardson wrote on social media, capturing the essence of what this place meant to many.

Weathering Storms

Over the years, the shop faced several challenges, including the rise of streaming music and a notable 2006 raid due to accusations involving drug paraphernalia. Despite these setbacks, Fichman and his team persevered, ensuring that 7th Heaven remained a staple for music lovers.

As the news of the store’s impending closure spread on social media, faithful customers flocked to the shop one last time to soak in the atmosphere, with tunes from all genres filling the air. Patrons were seen sifting through the vinyl and eyeing smoking accessories, relishing the nostalgia that saturated the shop.

A New Chapter Awaits

With retirement on the horizon, Fichman attempted to sell the store but noted that the changing dynamics of the smoking accessories market have made it difficult to find a buyer. He plans to retain ownership of the building, hopeful that he can lease the expansive 10,000-square-foot space to a fresh new business in the future.

A farewell party is being organized, with Fichman aiming to feature artists who have strong ties to 7th Heaven, providing a bittersweet closure to the place that once served as a launching pad for numerous rising stars. “It’s been a good run—a lot of fun,” he expressed, reflecting on the decades spent serving the Kansas City community.

It’s clear that 7th Heaven leaves behind a rich legacy, and while it may be closing, the memories and music will live on, resonating through the vibrant history it has created in Kansas City.