A family business bringing global style — and local heart — to
Independence Avenue

Just around the corner on Independence Avenue, Sharif Store
has become a neighborhood staple — a place where culture,
craftsmanship, and community come together under one roof.
Owners Agil Leel and his wife have been part of the Northeast
business community for more than 20 years. Before opening their
current storefront at 2607 Independence Avenue in 2015, the
family ran their business for over a decade on Lexington Avenue.
The move, they said, was about more than just fi nding a bigger space
— it was about continuing to grow alongside the neighborhood they
love.

“Family means everything to us,” Leel’s wife shared. “It’s special
working with [my] family and kids.”

True to that sentiment, the couple and their children manage the
business together. The name Sharif itself is a family name, a
reminder that everything about the store — from the products to the
people — is rooted in connection.

Sharif Store began with flowers and perfumes, but has expanded
to offer a wide variety of African and Middle Eastern home décor,
including furniture, wall art, rugs, lighting, and kitchenware. Most
of the items are imported from Turkey and Dubai, giving the store’s
selection a distinct, worldly character that reflects the diversity of
the community it serves.

“We get to see a lot of people from different countries,” Leel’s wife
said. “Whatever customers ask for, we bring for them.”

Whether you’re redecorating, looking for a special gift, or just
exploring what’s new along the Avenue, Sharif Store is worth a
stop. Inside, you’ll find treasures designed to enhance any home —
and a family eager to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Sharif Store is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.,
and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 2607 Independence Avenue.
Learn more online at refugekc.org/goods.html.