J. Higgins, a unique shop in Lenexa, has been a go-to destination for bagpipes, kilts, and other Scottish supplies for multiple decades. The store has recently relocated to a new storefront in Old Town Lenexa, a move that staff say is both a practical expansion and a defining moment for the brand.

A New Chapter for J. Higgins

The new space in Old Town Lenexa offers more room for the store’s extensive inventory, which includes over 5,000 different products. In addition to kilts and bagpipes, the shop is also phasing in a growing line of uniforms and accessories for police, fire, and sheriff’s honor guards.

According to Griffin Hall, J. Higgins’ media manager, the move was necessary for the company’s growth. ‘We needed growth first and foremost,’ Hall said. ‘The space that we were in before was somewhat limiting, and now we’re able to carry a bit more on the shelves.’ The new location also offers a more visible and charming space, with a mix of redevelopment and historic charm that appealed to the company.

J. Higgins was initially founded in 1983 by owner John Higgins, a competitive bagpiper who first got his start making reeds before branching into apparel and other gear. Over the years, customer demand has driven the company’s inventory growth, with people coming from all across the country to visit the store.

Hall, who was a customer before becoming the media manager, said that the store’s unique offerings and expertise set it apart. ‘Bagpiping certainly isn’t something that you can walk into your typical music store and get quality information on,’ he said. ‘That’s a unique thing that we get to do here — educate people on how it’s supposed to be done.’ The relocation to Old Town Lenexa was a two-year work in progress, and Hall said that things seem to be off to an optimistic start.

Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.