Written by: Leyton Furlong
Black Kat Salvage II is one of many new antique stores to pop up over the last few years, and it’s definitely one of the most exciting and colorful ones in town. Starting off as a small antique market in 2019, Black Kat has flourished since that time and moved into its current location in 2024. The Black Kat name likely pays homage to the prominent Katz Drug Store chain that had once prospered in St. Joseph back in the day.
What makes it different
Black Kat is somewhat of a pioneer when it comes to the local antique scene for some of its unique features. Whereas many antique stores are located in buildings with more open space (former warehouses, old storefronts, etc.) Black Kat’s current location at 902 Edmond Street is located on the first floor of a former medical clinic. Every room, every office, every hallway, and even the old safe has been converted into booths for vendors, making the place feel more like a room-to-room treasure hunt than your typical vendor mall.
Kool Kat’s Music Exchange
Black Kat Salvage II is also unique in that it’s more than just an antique store. In addition to antiques and collectibles, some booths sell homemade goods such as soap, jam and jelly, art, and other crafts. One seller even sells uranium glass products! Perhaps the ‘main attraction’ is Kool Kat’s Music Exchange, which has a massive collection of vinyl records with a special emphasis on classic rock and country. The Kool Kat section displays a variety of classic rock items from the 1960s through the 1990s. Some notable items on display include autographs from Head East and the cast of American Graffiti, and a large collection of Beatles and Kiss memorabilia.
Kool Kat’s Music Exchange, like many of the vendors here, was once located at the St. Joseph Antique Mall on Leonard Road, which closed in 2025. The influx of displaced vendors swelled Black Kat’s vendor count by nearly half and helped boost the company’s roster of experienced vendors with unique collections for sale.
Black Kat Salvage II is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 AM-5 PM and open on Sundays from 12 PM-5 PM (Monday closed).
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Black Kat Salvage II
902 Edmond Street, Saint Joseph, MO, 64501
(816) 689-0425
WEBSITE