Our Story

At The First Place, we’ve been one of Wichita’s favorite specialty shopping stores for more than 45 years. We trace our history back to September 1973, when our founders, sisters Helen Galloway and Donna Jabara Baker, opened The First Place in a 1,200-square-foot space located at 6821 E. Kellogg.

In 2003, Helen Galloway and The First Place moved to a new, 9000 square-foot space on North Rock Road – but despite the growth of our business, we’ve never lost sight of what’s important to us.

Since our company was first founded, we’ve always taken pride in providing a truly unique and personalized shopping experience. At our store, you’ll interact with a polite, experienced, and professional sales staff. We know everything about our products – and while we’re always here to answer your questions, we’ll never push you or try to upsell you on a product you don’t really want.

And with unique, one-on-one personalized shopping available from Helen, her daughter Buffy, or another one of our trained staff members, you’ll have someone with you every step of the way – if that’s what you’d like!

In addition, you’ll enjoy refreshments and finger foods while shopping – free of charge, of course. Enjoy your snacks while browsing our jewelry from over 200 internationally-renowned designers, including David Yurman, Jewels By Star, and Roberto Demeglio, just to name a few.

We’ve also got the largest selection of fine gifts, ranging from designer crystal, to picture frames and accent furniture, all sourced from top designers like Lalique and Michael Aram. Whether you need a personal or a corporate gift, we’re here to help.

Come in today, and see why The First Place has been the top choice for jewelry, gifts and more in Wichita for more than four decades!