Kansas City, Missouri's Emery, Bird, Thayer Dry Goods Company opened On the Plaza in March 1950. The building, originally housing a furniture store, was substantially enlarged in the early 1960s. The retail chain went out of business in July 1968. The COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA store re-opened, as a branch of Macy's Kansas City, in September 1968. It would eventually be rebranded by Dillard's.

Harzfeld's, another iconic Kansas city retailer, opened On the Plaza in April 1954. They had built a brand new store. It was shuttered, along with the chain, in September 1983. The vacant building was leased by Bonwit Teller, who were in operation until 1990. 

Graphic from Harzfeld's

Halls On The Plaza was officially dedicated in October 1965. This uber upscale emporium sold fine crystal, silverware, apparel, greeting cards and various objets d'art. It was in business until August 2014. 

Drawing and Graphic from Hallmark Cards

Meanwhile, by 1976, the entire 14-block PLAZA site had been developed with retail and office structures. Most were built utilizing the original Spanish Colonial Revival motif. There are over 150 specialty stores and restaurants and parking for 3,000 autos. Several open courtyards, sculptures, murals and fountains have been installed at strategic points throughout the complex, which is promoted as an outdoor museum.