The Bead Shop
Located in Overland Park, Kansas, The Bead Shop is advertised as Kansas City's premiere local bead store, with "zillions of beads and findings" in their brick and mortar store.
While I didn't take a bead count when I visited the store in October, 2006, I'd attest that there at least as many beads in the store as Ronald has burgers. The Bead Shop's walls are adorned with strands upon strands of glass, semi-precious stones and man-made beads, seed beads, findings and beading supplies, and multiple fixtures, tables and displays...more than one can absorb in a quick trip!
Stone and bead quality varies — some of the "trunk show" items out for display the day I visited were subpar, but for the most part, the beads I examined seemed to be B quality or better. Many, many stone varieties are represented, and The Bead Shop has an extensive selection of silver, pewter, gold filled and copper beads and findings...much more than I've seen in other stores. Browsing through the metals, I saw a lot of beads that I had not seen elsewhere.
I like the way The Bead Shop packages loose beads — individual packets of 1/2 dozen or so, instead of the traditional open displays of beads. I'm sure it reduces theft and mistakes in pricing, and is really a lot more "user friendly" as well.
The Bead Shop also stocks a large selection of watch faces, charms, and cabochons in many sizes and materials.
Prices are average to a bit below average for retail — because I normally buy wholesale, I get a bit jaded at retail prices, but they were definitely in line with other LBS and online "short order" bead stores.
A major plus about The Bead Shop is their vast selection of beading supplies...from higher end tools (no Lindstroms, but they do carry The Magic Crimper), a complete assortment of WigJig tools, spools of wire and a full section of beading threads, I found a great many items that I have not seen in other local bead stores. It's nice to have ability to touch and feel items, even tools!
The Bead Shop is located in the Gateway Plaza (9009 Metcalf Avenue) in Overland Park, KS. A virtual store is also maintained, with limited items available through the web site.
