Check these locally-owned, neighborhood stores for sizzlin’, seasonal treasures.
The Running Well Store
The Running Well Store – 200 E 135th St, Kansas City, MO 64145
Get comfortable! Whether you’re working long hours on your feet, running around with the kids, or stepping up your vacation game, you might be surprised at how much The Running Well Store in Martin City can help you out. General Manager Carl Specking tells us the store is becoming an especially hot destination this summer.
“For example, OOFOS sandals are going really fast. They are just so comfortable with proprietary foam and arch support without being too firm. And they last summer after summer. People love them. Our new light weight Birkenstocks are popular too.”
Slugging water is important when you’re sweating out heat waves, but Carl says you might also try simple hydration additives, like Zym, to make sure you’re fully covered where it counts.
“You just drop them into your drinks for an extra boost of electrolytes and vitamins to keep you going without worry. And they’re tasty.”
Don’t forget to grab socks with moisture-wicking materials like nylon, elastane, and smart wool. Wherever you might shop for summer socks, Carl emphasizes cotton is the material to sidestep. “Cotton is a plant. It holds water. That’s not at all what you want. It’s the opposite of comfortable on hot days.”
Pickleball fan? You can also get shoes and inserts specifically designed to provide arch support for pickleball. Paddles and balls, too!
“Our staff is very knowledgeable about how all of these products work and who they are for. We can size up your situation and get you summer gear that fits. I think that’s why so much of our business is repeat customers. We don’t work on commission, so we can focus only on what works best for you. We enjoy the relationships we create.”
And did you know? The Running Well Store offers group runs every Saturday evening during the summer in Martin City. It’s a great way to social and meet new friends. Don’t sweat the physical challenge because it doesn’t really matter if you run or walk. It’s just a fun thing to do.
The Running Well Store General Manager Carl Specking shapes run and walk friendly Saturday evening routes around the Martin City area.
The Sharper Edge
The Sharper Edge – 610 E 135th St
Let’s warm up your summer patio! Maybe you’ve got plenty of outdoor plants and flowers, but what about a classy statue or fountain? That’s where The Sharper Edge in Martin City steals the summer spotlight. Store Manager Brittany Ryan tells us their retail business heats up with the weather.
“Keeping everything stocked is a constant challenge during the summer. Cascading water fountains are selling faster than probably anything else. The way they look and sound is just a great addition to a home or business, indoors or out.”
Yep, these fountains are cool indeed — made of natural stone and designed for water to trickle down multiple tiers in creative patterns. Smooth, modern, minimalist configurations are sure to become conversation pieces in your summer oasis.
Ever heard of a bee pollinator sanctuary? Shoppers are buzzing about these vertical, curvy statues with dozens of little holes providing comfy safe haven in your garden. Yes, there is such a thing as a non-stinging bee, and they love this kind of thing.
“We’re continuously reordering planters too. Terracotta, wood, weathered metal — we’ve got all kinds of styles and sizes across our showcase. Some are hand-crafted by a local artisan.”
Listen up! A dazzling variety of wind chimes on display right inside the store’s front door can make decorating a breeze, offering sweet music to your ears all summer long, and throughout the year.
“Oh they are very much in demand,” says Brittany, touching off tunes with a brush of her hand as we walk by. “People will come in just for the chimes.”
“You can see and touch everything before you buy. We’re a much better option than just ordering online, especially when it comes to the larger fountains and statues,” Owner Bob Stewart points out. “They’re always going to be more expensive online, and then you can expect a pallet just dropped on your driveway. We’re definitely the smarter way to go.”
Honestly, we’ve never seen so much variety at The Sharper Edge and we’ve been shopping there for years. Treat yourself to a summer tour in the heart of Martin City. Just look for the windmill near the train tracks!
Gilded Lily
Gilded Lily – 612 E 135th St
Ready to add authentic flare to your summer scene? Colorful artisan birdhouses, dazzling glass garden globes, whimsical metal sculptures, hand-woven baskets … and that’s before you even walk through the door at Gilded Lily, Martin City’s favorite family owned retail boutique.
Step inside and immediately fish for exotic new coral collections, carefully farmed off the California coast and available now in Martin City. Get them before they’re gone!
“No fiberglass or plastic, this is real coral legally grown in the Pacific,” Gilded Lily co-owner Tom Beachner points out. “They make a great conversation piece, and give striking natural class to your summer look at home or the office.”
Hosting a party on your patio? Treat guests to Harney & Sons peach tea, one of dozens of varieties now in stock. Gilded Lily fans know the boutique is busting with international teas. Maybe grab some honey and cookies too.
Everywhere you look at Gilded Lily, you’ll see red, white, and blue — a popular summer mix from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Rustic signs with patriotic messages, hand-sewn nostalgic Uncle Sam and George Washington decorative dolls, and flags. Lots of real, 100% cotton American flags. Discriminating customers love them.
“And we’ve just received an array of patriotic-themed antique ornamental displays,” Tom tells us with excitement. “You won’t find them anywhere else around here. Colorful, glossy, summer appeal and really unique.”
Oh if these products could talk. In fact, just about anything you find inside Gilded Lily comes with an interesting story, ranging from the artisans who craft them to the places they’re found. Tom travels about every three months to search for new items. Debbie (Tom’s wife and co-owner) spends about a month in Europe every year.
Tom Beachner (pictured) co-owns and operates Gilded Lily with his wife, Debbie Beachner.
“We only want to sell what is truly special. That’s what our customers expect, and it’s the reason our business sees so much success during the summer, and all year long.”
Don’t forget to say hi to Remy, the sweetest dog ever, when you stop by. And sign up for the Gilded Lily Literary Society bookclub!
