Karats Jewelers breaks ground on new 20,000 SF headquarters

Karats Jewelers, a prominent family-owned business in Kansas City, officially broke ground on its new headquarters on October 23, marking a new chapter for the six-generation jewelry brand.

Founded by Akshay Anand in 2005, Karats has built a strong reputation in the Kansas City community as a trusted destination for bridal and luxury jewelry, as well as a curated selection of high-end wristwatches.

The new location, designed by Davidson Architects & Engineering, will cover 20,000 SF and is situated at 12260 Blue Valley Pkwy., just five miles from the current store on W. 135th St. in Overland Park, Kan. The new headquarters represents both a continuation of the Anand family legacy and an opportunity to evolve with customer needs.

“KARATS is a six-generation family business, and we have truly harnessed our growth in the Kansas City community because of the support of this city,” Anand said.

Partnering with local builder Miller Stauch Construction, the new Karats facility is designed to enhance the customer experience and meet the growing demand for a more comprehensive array of jewelry options.

“It is a dream of a lifetime, and we are glad to have partnered with Miller Stauch.” Anand said.

The new location’s layout will be carefully planned to support Karats’ core business in engagement rings and bridal jewelry, with Anand envisioning a more immersive, personalized experience for couples shopping for engagement rings and wedding bands.

Above: A rendering of the new Karats Jewelers 20,000 SF headquarters designed to bring a personalized shopping experience for all customers. Image credit: Davidson Architecture & Engineering.

Beyond bridal jewelry, Karats is renowned for its extensive selection of luxury wristwatches and fine jewelry, showcasing top brands like Tacori and Verragio alongside over 35 sought-after watch brands.

“KARATS is focused on bringing the best selection of luxury goods to the Kansas City metro,” Anand said.

With its expanded space, Karats will now cater to new and longtime customers across all price ranges to create a shopping experience inclusive of all budgets and preferences.

Anand aims to attract younger generations who value a blend of tradition and contemporary style in their jewelry shopping experience. The store will offer custom engagement ring design services, allowing clients to collaborate with Karats' specialists to create unique, personalized rings. Shoppers can also explore an extensive in-store collection, catering to a wide range of tastes and styles.

With a grand opening date yet to be set, the new Karats Jewelers headquarters is designed not just as a store but as a destination for jewelry and watch enthusiasts across Kansas City and beyond. Anand is optimistic that the expansion will strengthen Karats’ role in the community, offering a space where Kansas City customers can trust the Anand family’s expertise and commitment to service for generations to come.

---

Header image: A groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the new Karats Jewelers headquarters to be built at 12260 Blue Valley Pkwy. Image credit: Clapp Real Estate Photography

NAI Heartland's Sean Ellington shares ambition for KC CRE

Sean Ellington joined NAI Heartland as an associate of the brokerage team in October 2017. His primary areas of focus are landlord and tenant representation with regard to leasing, property acquisition and disposition of retail and office properties in the Kansas City metro area. 

Ellington is a licensed commercial real estate agent in Kansas and Missouri. His current projects include:

·     Cherokee South Shopping Center – Overland Park, Kan.

·     Former Kneaders Bakery – Blue Springs, Mo.

·     Former Boston Market – Overland Park, Kan.

In this week's Broker Spotlight, Ellington shares his ambition of commercial real estate with MWM - including his goals, excitement and the new ideas he has for the industry.

Rachel Treanor (RT): What gets you excited to get to work every day?

The “maybe” or “what if” factor that gets me up every day is the potential for new business or projects! I am always excited to bring new brands or concepts to Kansas City. 

RT: How do you keep your skills sharp in this competitive climate?

Sean Ellington (SE): Stay on the phone and stay connected to the areas where you have projects. They will quickly overlap and your knowledge and contacts within a larger area will grow.

RT: What was your lightbulb moment to get into commercial real estate?

SE: My lightbulb moment was most likely when I worked in property management while attending KU. I saw how passive income was generated through real estate and I wanted to get involved. After property management, I was a commercial appraiser before I became an associate at NAI Heartland. The real draw of commercial real estate for me was the entrepreneurship aspect and how different being a broker is from a typical employee.

RT: Who is your mentor and why?

There are several partners within NAI Heartland that I would consider a mentor. Carl LaSala has been a constant resource and pillar to lean on during my time as an associate. Carl and I have discussed numerous topics; from contract review to stress management, he has made it easier to navigate the challenges of this business.

RT: Who do you mentor?

I probably don’t have enough gray hair to be considered a great mentor but usually start-ups and potential clients are the individuals I can help the most. My advice revolves around how to present a tenant’s vision and the resources and tools necessary to get a second look from a landlord or gain trust.

RT: What deal do you wish for in your future portfolio?

SE: It probably isn’t a specific deal as we all want to lease and sell larger and more impressive properties. My wish is to have a portfolio that the majority of deals are working with Kansas City based investors/businesses. I would like to better understand the younger investors/businesses that are getting involved in CRE as I am growing my portfolio. 

RT: What leads do you look for?

SE: Currently I am focusing on landlord representation leads. Most of my business has been a combination of landlord rep and tenant rep, but right now I would like to be speaking with landlords on projects that have not leased for some time or have just become vacant.

How can prospects contact you for more information?

SE: Give me a call or send me an email! (913)-907-9454 or sean@nai-heartland.com

Do you have a broker or developer you would like to feature in in the MWM Spotlight? We want to hear from you! Please send info to kcnews@metrowiremedia.com