Chanel Jezek Will Depart Dear Society in Kansas City
The boutique owner plans to step away from the business by the end of 2026.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Owner Chanel Jezek announced plans to step away from Dear Society, a long-standing Kansas City clothing store, by the end of 2026. She is currently seeking a new owner for the boutique as she pursues a new chapter in her life.
Why it matters
The departure marks a significant leadership change for a cornerstone of the local retail scene. Jezek stated the decision is the right step for her personal future after a decade of operating the shop.
Dear Society has operated for 10 years at 114 Southwest Blvd. and was previously named one of the 50 best clothing stores in America by The New York Times.
The players
Chanel Jezek
She is the owner of Dear Society who has managed the boutique for the past decade.
Dear Society
This Kansas City boutique, located on Southwest Blvd., is recognized for its apparel and in-house matcha bar.
The details
Located in the Crossroads neighborhood, the boutique includes a popular in-house matcha bar. Vogue previously highlighted the business in its 2016 and 2021 lists, with the 2021 inclusion identifying it among 14 notable shops.
Timeline
Vogue featured the store in its Midwest Shopping Guide in 2016.
Vogue included the store in its best businesses list in 2021.
Chanel Jezek announced her departure from the store in October 2026.
The shop and matcha bar will remain open through the 2026 holidays.
Jezek will officially step away from ownership at the end of 2026.
Market Landscape
The store’s legacy is defined by its inclusion on The New York Times 50 best clothing stores in America list, which brings a specific standard of prestige to the upcoming ownership transition. This shift represents a pivotal moment for a boutique that has served as a benchmark for Kansas City retail success.
Customers can continue to visit the store and its in-house matcha bar as usual through the 2026 holiday season. The shop remains operational while Jezek searches for a new owner to take over the established business.
The takeaway
The store remains a fixture in the Crossroads district and will maintain normal operations through the end of the year. Interested parties may monitor for updates regarding the potential acquisition of this long-standing boutique.
Further reading
For more on the retail environment, visit Kansas City Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Kansas City Star.
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