For just a few weeks, Kansas City has the attention of the world.
With thousands of visitors exploring the metro during the FIFA World Cup, local businesses have a unique opportunity to introduce new customers to everything our region has to offer. While many visitors may come for the matches, they’re also discovering local restaurants, shops, coffee houses, entertainment venues, and entrepreneurs along the way.
Across Overland Park and the Kansas City area, businesses have embraced the moment with creative partnerships, special events, themed experiences, and collaborative marketing efforts. Rather than waiting for visitors to find them, they’re finding new ways to meet people where they are and showcase the creativity that makes this community special.
One of our favorite examples comes from a small boutique that decided the best way to grow wasn’t alone, but together.
Lottie & Lou Brings Small Business Collaboration to the Global Stage at Union Station
When Lottie & Lou was selected to participate in the City of Entrepreneurs Marketplace inside Union Station, they could have simply filled the booth with their own products.
Instead, they invited several of the local makers already featured inside their Platte City boutique to join them.
What started as a single product and a dream has grown into something much larger. Founded as a family-based business, Lottie & Lou has evolved from selling one product into a thriving boutique. From the beginning, the heart of the business has been rooted in community, relationships, and creating opportunities for other small businesses to grow alongside them.
Inside their storefront at 252 Main Street, Lottie & Lou has built a collaborative space where local vendors can share their talents and passions, and connect with customers throughout the Kansas City area.
When the opportunity arose to participate in the City of Entrepreneurs Marketplace inside Union Station during the 2026 World Cup festivities, the Lottie & Lou team knew they wanted their space to reflect the same spirit of collaboration that has become the foundation of their business.
“We wanted our space at Union Station to tell the story of who we are,” said the Lottie & Lou team. “Our store has always been about supporting other small businesses, and we wanted visitors from around the world to experience the creativity and passion that exists right here in our own community.”
Several vendor partners chose to join Lottie & Lou at the City of Entrepreneurs Marketplace:
Goldie Sun Accessories creates colorful, personalized accessories for both kids and adults that are as fun as they are unique. Featuring bright details, playful charms, and custom names, each item is designed to be one of a kind. For the five-week event, Goldie Sun introduced an exciting collection of soccer-themed accessories inspired by the World Cup.
KC Bleacher Mom specializes in custom Kansas City apparel, spirit wear, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. The brand created exclusive designs specifically for the City of Entrepreneurs Marketplace, celebrating both Kansas City pride and the excitement surrounding the World Cup.
KC & Company is a mother-daughter business dedicated to creating high-quality fragrances that last up to 14 hours while remaining affordable. Their mission is simple: everyone deserves to feel beautiful and special, and their signature scents have become a customer favorite.
River Trail Threads designs handmade children’s clothing inspired by Kansas City and Midwest life. From game days to everyday adventures, their pieces are created to be comfortable, durable, and worn with pride.
These small businesses have transformed their space inside Union Station into a showcase of local creativity, entrepreneurship, and Kansas City pride. Visitors from around the world have the opportunity to experience products designed and created by families, makers, and entrepreneurs who love this community.
Rather than competing for attention, these businesses chose collaboration. Together, they’re telling a larger story about Kansas City’s creativity, entrepreneurship, and community.
As Kansas City welcomes the world during the 2026 World Cup, Lottie & Lou and its vendor partners are proud to represent the small businesses that help make the region special.
Lottie & Lou and their collaborative vendor marketplace will remain inside Union Station through July 12. After the event concludes, customers can continue to shop Lottie & Lou and their local vendor partners at the boutique’s storefront located at 252 Main Street in Platte City, Missouri.
For Lottie & Lou, the City of Entrepreneurs Marketplace is about more than retail. It is a celebration of community, collaboration, and the belief that small businesses are stronger when they grow together.
More Businesses Joining the Celebration
The World Cup has inspired businesses across Overland Park and the Kansas City region to think creatively about how they welcome visitors, connect with new audiences, and showcase what makes this community special. Here are just a few businesses embracing the opportunity.
OP Businesses You Can Find at Union Station & FIFA Fan Fest
- Shop at the City of Entrepreneurs Marketplace (Union Station)
- Annie Austen – jewelry and accessories for daily wear
- Taste Local Favorites at FIFA Fan Fest
Businesses in Overland Park Getting Creative
- Buffalo State Pizza is celebrating with soccer-themed pizza boxes, match-day watch parties, and World Cup décor throughout the restaurant.
- SERV is hosting World Cup watch parties and special events that bring fans together throughout the tournament.
- Talk of the Town revamped their outdoor patio, adding space and screens for World Cup fans.
- Oak Park Mall is supporting local makers through vendor events while welcoming World Cup visitors with Kansas City-themed shopping experiences.
- Bluhawk paired its annual fireworks celebration with a World Cup watch party to create an even bigger community event.
- Painting with a Twist is offering relaxing creative experiences like candle-making workshops for fans looking to unwind between matches.
- Lucky Strike introduced limited-edition World Cup merchandise, including commemorative cups and branded socks.
- Mocha Point Coffee and Turath Coffee are welcoming guests with extended evening hours, making them great spots to gather after the matches.
Know a local business with a great story to tell? Let us know! We’re always looking to feature the entrepreneurs, organizations, and businesses that make Overland Park such a vibrant community.
The World Cup may only last a few weeks, but the creativity and collaboration it’s inspired will leave a lasting impact.
Whether businesses are partnering with fellow entrepreneurs, creating themed experiences, expanding community events, or welcoming visitors from around the globe, they’re showing exactly what makes the Kansas City region and communities like Overland Park such special places to do business.
Supporting local during the tournament doesn’t just create memorable experiences for visitors. It helps strengthen the businesses that continue to invest in our community long after the final whistle.
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