Sponsored Content
Business is booming in the friendly neighborhood of Waldo—small business, that is. From boutiques to bakeries to beloved restaurants, Waldo has been an eclectic and family-favorite area for generations. The walkable and friendly neighborhood has a touch of old-school charm, perfect for the holidays. Not only located in the heart of Kansas City, Waldo embodies it with an emphasis on community and local support.
Waldo welcomed several new restaurants in the past year, including Hemma Hemma, Joy Wok, Salumi Rose, and Pizza Tascio. Retail shops including Ampersand Design Studio, Goodwill, Sharing Sunshine KC, and Waldo Jewelers also joined the growing group in 2023. Celebrate the season by giving these local businesses some love at Waldo’s annual Shop Small Crawl from November 25 to December 1.
Make your shopping list and check it twice, because you’ll find everything nice at Waldo’s Shop Small Crawl, including prizes, discounts, gifts, and a Waldo “reindeer” bringing holiday cheer to kick off Small Business Saturday on November 25. “Small Business Saturday is always such a fun and exciting day,” says Julia Hiles, owner of the gift shop and children’s boutique Hiles Two. “It’s delightful to see people come out to shop with us and recognize the value small businesses add to our local community!” Hiles has been a small business owner for 40 years, and in Waldo since 1984. “Selecting items at the various markets each year, meeting new customers, and seeing our regulars (many of whom have been coming in for years) makes my work truly special and each day different.”
Ashley Bare, owner of Hemma Hemma, a new restaurant on the block, is looking forward to meeting new people and “filling their tummies” during the Shop Small Crawl. “Growing up nearby, I feel lucky to have brought something back to my stomping grounds,” Bare says. “But more importantly, we’re in great company with and supported by other neighborhood small businesses!” As this is her first year at the Shop Small Crawl, she’ll be introducing her seasonal coffee specials and approachable food (with a twist) to the neighborhood.
Specials and discounts will be featured all week, but Small Business Saturday includes special gifts and coffee from Hemma Hemma and Front Range Coffee. Other participating businesses include Eclectic’s Gift Gallery, Goofball Sk8boards, Hiles Two, K9 Closet, Pickleman’s, Arbor Vitae Yoga & Wellness, Cheveux KC, Ovation Home Design, Pilates 1901, and more! Don’t forget to mention the Shop Small Crawl to receive special discounts.
“Over the years, I have watched Waldo change and grow, but at its heart it is the same unique, friendly, quirky, and fun community of homes, local restaurants, and businesses that make it so special,” says Hiles, who lives nearby and points to personal and community connections as a source of Waldo’s staying power. “Waldo’s underlying vibe of acceptance and ‘come as you are’ is just a part of what makes this area of the city so special.” Hiles is offering 10 percent off Hiles Two purchases during Shop Small Week.
Both Hiles and Bare appreciate the community feeling in Waldo, and it shows in their businesses. “Being able to lead our awesome staff in a hands-on and close-knit way is amazing,” says Bare. “We also get to collaborate with other small business friends, which continues to be an incredibly rewarding group of people in KC. Connecting face-to-face with our community and regulars is super rewarding.” Hiles Two has evolved through decades of style and remains a Waldo icon, adding charm and special touches to its customer’s homes and holiday events.
“Waldo has always been a very special place for my family and me,” says Hiles. Check out Shop Small Week November 25 through December 1, and make it a special place for you and yours.